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Independence School Board hears pitches from two superintendent-search firms; board weighs outreach, fees and guarantees
Summary
The Independence School Board heard competing presentations from McFersonson Jacobson and the Missouri School Boards Association for a superintendent search. Board members probed differences in stakeholder outreach, background checks, price (MSBA $22,000; McFersonson Jacobson $25,900) and post‑hire guarantees; no final contract was recorded.
The Independence School Board heard presentations from two finalist superintendent-search firms and spent nearly an hour comparing their approaches, fees and guarantees, but did not record a final contracting decision.
McFersonson Jacobson, represented by Steve Joel and Dr. David Buck, outlined a five-phase national search model that the presenters said emphasizes robust stakeholder engagement, vetting and post‑placement support. Joel described the package as a "five-phase" process that includes community and staff input, candidate vetting, finalist interviews and one year of post‑hire support. He said the firm’s bid is “not to exceed $25,900” and added the firm offers a two‑year guarantee tied to its post‑placement work.
Joel said the firm customizes searches to local needs and uses tools such as leadership‑behavior assessments and video interviews. "We're about kids... we believe in authentic engagement with stakeholders," Joel said, adding that the firm keeps candidate names confidential until…
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