MSBA presents survey, focus-group findings to Independence board as superintendent search advances

MSBA consultants presented results from a districtwide survey and focus groups to the Independence School District board during a work session, outlining the traits residents, staff and students want in the next superintendent and confirming key search dates.

MSBA told the board that the most frequently ranked trait was an "approachable and accessible" leader, followed by strong instructional leadership, collaborative leadership and the ability to manage district finances. "The top thing is somebody approachable and accessible," the MSBA presenter said while reviewing combined personal and professional priorities drawn from surveys and forums. Presenters said those priorities will shape the screening questions and finalist interviews.

The consultants reported that survey respondents identified the four-day school week, caring teachers, academic growth and student supports as district strengths. They said secondary students specifically highlighted pathway programs, extracurricular opportunities and the four-day schedule while also flagging inconsistent discipline, bullying concerns and mental-health pressures.

MSBA described its focus-group method: participants prioritized the top candidate traits on chart paper, then used Post-it notes to list evidence or "look-fors" that would demonstrate a candidate meets those traits. That process elevated some priorities: managing district resources ranked higher in focus groups than on the broader survey, while collaborative leadership and approachability remained prominent.

On what collaborative leadership would look like, MSBA summarized focus-group themes: seeking and using feedback through multiple channels, building trust and avoiding retaliation, promoting teamwork among administrators and managing change deliberately. "Recognizing and encouraging feedback and asking for it" and "being open to staff and using multiple channels" were cited as tangible indicators, the presenter said.

The consultants also outlined hiring and retention measures raised by focus groups, including competitive salaries and benefits, hiring earlier in the cycle, expanded professional development and training for classified staff. They recommended recruiting candidates who could both innovate and maintain fiscal stability.

MSBA gave a candidate-status update: four applications had been submitted and four more were in progress. The presenters estimated the district’s final applicant pool could grow and stressed that their priority was the quality of candidates rather than only the number.

The board and consultants confirmed the search timeline. Applications will close Dec. 31; the board will review application materials on Jan. 8, with screening on Jan. 15 (board in person, candidates on Zoom). Finalist interviews and district tours are scheduled for Jan. 21 (Jan. 22 as a backup). MSBA warned the public not to expect an immediate hire announcement on Jan. 21; the board must complete any negotiations and a subsequent public board meeting under sunshine rules before a final appointment.

Board procedure at the meeting included approval of the agenda at the start of the work session and a motion to adjourn at the end; both motions carried without a roll-call vote recorded in the transcript.

The board did not take hiring action at the work session; MSBA said the firm will continue recruiting and will share the full survey feedback with applicants and the communications office so finalists understand local priorities. The district’s next public actions on the search will follow the January screening and finalist interview dates.