Vernonia SD 47J kicks off superintendent search; consultant outlines timeline and anonymous survey

Vernonia SD 47J’s board convened a special work session to launch a superintendent search, introduce consultant Rob Hess of Grundmeier Leader Services (GLS) and outline a recruiting process built on community input. Chair (speaker 1) opened the meeting and introduced Rob Hess, who said the session’s goal was to “listen to the people” and use that feedback to screen and recruit candidates.

Rob Hess described a multi-step timeline GLS will manage: run an anonymous survey through about April 10, present applicant updates weekly, hold a closed candidate‑review meeting on April 15, semifinal screenings (closed) around April 18 and finalist interviews on or near May 1. “We’ll use this list as we recruit and as we look at candidates…to help us screen,” he said. He also noted the firm had already posted the job and received interest.

The board agreed to survey and engagement steps that include community and staff input, building screening teams for semifinals and finals, and public opportunities to meet finalists. Board members and attendees emphasized anonymity and broad outreach; Hess reassured the group that “the data is gonna go to our firm” and not be visible to district staff, and that the firm will present aggregated results to the board.