Vernonia School Board unanimously hires Grundmeyer Leader Services to run superintendent search

The Vernonia School District 47J Board of Directors voted unanimously March 4 to contract Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS) to conduct the district's search for a new superintendent. Lisa Curry moved to enter into a contract with Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS) for the purposes of conducting a search for a new superintendent; Amy Cieloha seconded, and the motion passed unanimously with those in attendance.

Representatives from GLS—Trent Grundmeyer, Dave Kline, Bryan Starr and Aaron Bayer—presented the firm's services, including a proposed hiring timeline, candidate screening and finalist profiles, background checks, and finalist feedback charts. Board members noted that the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) submitted a written proposal for consideration but that no OSBA representative attended the meeting.

Board discussion highlighted several features of the GLS proposal that trustees found appealing: an optional facilitated first-year 360 evaluation of the new superintendent, a commitment to provide an interim placement if a permanent hire could not be secured (with GLS conducting another search the following year at cost), and a candidate summary compiled after GLS research. Trustees also noted that bringing finalists to Vernonia for interviews would incur additional district travel and lodging expenses.

The contract vote followed a review and comparison of the search fees and proposed deliverables. The board approved the contract at the special meeting called to order by Board Chair Greg Kintz. Next steps outlined by the board and GLS include finalizing the search timeline and beginning active recruitment; the district will schedule finalist interviews in Vernonia and will account for associated travel and lodging costs.