Beloit board opens superintendent search, discusses hiring an outside firm and community listening sessions

The School District of Beloit board opened a multi-part discussion on the transition and recruitment for its next superintendent, including whether to hire an outside search firm and how to solicit community input. Chair Michelle Jones convened the conversation and framed it around board policy 221 on recruitment and appointment of the superintendent.

Doctor Anderson, addressing the board, emphasized that the district must select a qualified candidate and that state law does not prescribe a single hiring process. "A qualified candidate is someone who holds the license to be a superintendent of the state of Wisconsin," he said, adding the board has flexibility to set its own procedures. Anderson recommended that, if the board chooses to hire an outside firm, it begin contacting firms in April or May so the district could post the position and review applicants in the fall.

Several board members urged using structured community engagement to define the qualities the board wants in a new superintendent. One member said listening sessions and a scripted set of questions could help gather consistent input from staff, families and neighborhood stakeholders. Another member advocated inviting three firms to present to the board in one evening so trustees could compare services, staffing and estimated costs.

The administration indicated it can include the cost of a search firm in the 2026–27 budget, which board members said would make it easier to proceed. Board members discussed scheduling—October through December was cited by several as a peak period for applicants—and the benefit of facilitating public sessions at individual schools to gather local feedback. Members also raised using a small steering or advisory group with city and nonprofit partners to coordinate broader outreach.

The board did not take a formal vote on a hiring method during the meeting, but members agreed to continue planning, compile a list of prospective search firms and sketch a timeline and budget for future meetings. The board requested materials that would allow a vote or formal decision at a subsequent session.

Next steps: staff will compile contact information for likely search firms and prepare an options memo; trustees asked that the district schedule listening sessions and present a proposed timeline and budget impact at an upcoming meeting.