USD 452 board hires KASB for expedited superintendent search

The Stanton County Unified School District #452 Board of Education voted 6-0 on April 25 to hire KASB to conduct an expedited search for a new superintendent for USD 452.

Vice President Bobbie Ehrlich opened the special meeting at 9:00 a.m. and the board considered whether to conduct its own search or engage outside assistance. Steve Karlin, identifying himself as the KASB representative for the area, told the board that KASB can compress its usual 10–12-week search into a three- to four-week process and outlined the steps KASB would take if hired. "To get your Superintendent degree it takes a full year and there are no short cuts to this process. The cost is around $7,600.00 for this schooling," Karlin said when discussing the timeline and local degree options.

Board members discussed a "grow your own" approach and Karlin said he is in contact with Newman University about superintendent preparation; the board also discussed identifying community members and teachers to complete surveys about the district's priorities for a new superintendent. Brett Kendrick moved to hire KASB to conduct the superintendent search for USD 452 for a $5,000 fee; Chantry Scott seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

The board asked Karlin to schedule board training, which he typically offers in August or September. The meeting ended after a motion by Paige German to adjourn at 10:16 a.m., which carried 6-0.

The board approved the meeting agenda earlier in the session (motion by Chantry Scott, seconded by Rhett Seyb; motion carried 4-0 while Bret Kendrick was briefly out of the room). No public comments were received during the public comment period.

Next steps indicated in the meeting minutes: Karlin will proceed with scheduling and the district will identify community and teacher survey participants as part of the search process.