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Aurora Collective pitches a community-centered, SEL-focused superintendent search
Summary
Aurora Collective told the Sunnyvale board it would lead a community-centered search rooted in social-emotional learning, one-on-one candidate outreach and extended onboarding and coaching for finalists; the small-firm pitch emphasized local lived experience and equity-focused practices.
Aurora Collective presented its proposal to the Sunnyvale School District Board, stressing a search process led directly by the firm's principals and grounded in social-emotional learning and equity.
Dr. Candace Aurora described her background and why the Collectives lived experience mattered: "when we dive into this work, Vinny and I will be leading, the search specifically ourselves," she said, arguing the hands-on approach would yield better screening, coaching and retention of candidates. Co-presenter Vinnie Aurora described one-to-one outreach and multilingual engagement used to reach candidates who might not otherwise apply.
Aurora Collective proposed a transition hiring committee (the firm suggested 5—6 members), development of a candidate-profile survey, extensive stakeholder input sessions, and sustained coaching for finalists and a new superintendent through the first 90 days. Board members asked about the confidentiality of candidate outreach and whether an open stakeholder panel would shrink the candidate pool; the presenters acknowledged trade-offs and recommended confidentiality agreements for committee members.
Although trustees praised Auroras SEL focus and community ties, several members later said they favored Leadership Associates' experience and price point. Auroras presentation remains part of the public record and may inform the district's expectations for community engagement during the search.
