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Los Gatos board narrows superintendent search choices after three firm presentations
Summary
After hearing pitches from three search firms, the Los Gatos Union Elementary School District board praised Human Capital Enterprises’ energy but raised questions about fees and California experience and asked HCE to clarify in‑person engagement and contract terms before deciding.
The Los Gatos Union Elementary School District board heard presentations from three superintendent search firms on Feb. 20 and signaled interest in Human Capital Enterprises while flagging concerns about cost and local experience.
Board Chair (speaker 1) introduced the night’s agenda item: three firms would present 15‑minute proposals followed by 10 minutes of questions. Human Capital Enterprises (HCE) presented first; Kathleen Roddendorf (speaker 19) and Hank Harris (speaker 14, joining virtually) described a five‑phase search emphasizing careful planning, virtual outreach and candidate care. HCE said much of the work can be virtual but that key meetings — notably planning and finalists’ interviews — are typically in person. Board members questioned how HCE would recruit in California and urged more in‑person community engagement.
Leadership Associates (speaker 2 Jackie Horish and speaker 20 Donald Evans) promoted a flat fee that includes travel and a heavy in‑person footprint in the Bay Area, stressing a long history of regional searches and internal networks to attract local candidates. The presenters described robust community outreach, in‑person student and stakeholder meetings and a slate/tiering process for candidates.
HYA (speaker 17) emphasized national recruiting reach, analytics and transition supports. Several trustees expressed concern about HYA’s percentage‑based fee (tied to the superintendent’s salary), pointing out a possible incentive to secure higher pay and requesting a clearer termination and fee structure.
Board members debated trade‑offs: HCE’s energy and the visible engagement of Hank Harris impressed several trustees, but some worried that the firm’s primarily virtual approach and smaller California footprint could limit the pool of locally experienced candidates. Leadership Associates was praised for Bay Area knowledge and a flat, all‑inclusive fee that covers travel; trustees raised questions about whether that model produces a “rock‑star” candidate or a default slate of applicants. HYA’s nationwide reach attracted interest, but its higher cost and contract language gave members pause.
No final selection was made during the meeting. Trustees asked staff to arrange a follow‑up conversation with HCE to clarify which meetings will be held in person, to confirm California sourcing and references, and to negotiate contract terms (including cancellation and termination fees). The board also agreed to refine expectations for which community and staff meetings should be in person and which can be virtual.
The board plans to reconvene on short notice to review HCE’s responses and decide whether to proceed with contract negotiations or select another firm.
