Search consultants present salary comparisons, interview-day plan; board asked to submit questions by Dec. 4

DODGE CITY ' Search consultants told the Dodge City school board that the district's base superintendent salary sits near the middle of comparable districts and laid out the logistics the board should use when inviting finalists.

"This information is only as good as the information of which we receive," Dr. Carlin said while distributing salary-comparison materials that showed Dodge City near the middle of the listed districts for base pay. The consultants cautioned that reported totals vary because fringe benefits (health insurance, car allowances, housing stipends) are recorded inconsistently across districts.

Consultants recommended the board decide on a salary range at an early stage so offers do not create "buyers' regret," and suggested non-salary retention options such as annuities if the board wanted to keep an incumbent without adjusting base pay publicly.

On the interview format, consultants recommended a daylong schedule for finalists that includes a targeted community and school tour, meetings with administrative staff (not as formal interviews), a public meet-and-greet, a board dinner conducted in executive session and a formal interview. They advised assigning consistent question roles so that each candidate receives the same set of formal questions.

Dr. Carlin told the board to submit interview questions to clerk Karen Carmona by Dec. 4 so the clerk could compile and assign them for the December meeting. Consultants said they would screen applicants, recommend which candidates to interview at the Jan. 6 meeting and call top candidates in advance to confirm interest and scheduling availability.

The board approved a short executive session for personnel matters related to the search earlier in the meeting. Consultants and staff will return to continue the process in January.