1. Launch with a Clear Overview
First, introduce the superintendent search. Share the board’s goals and emphasize that community input will be a key component in the selection process. For example:
“The [Your School District] Board of Directors has initiated the search for our next superintendent. With input from the community, we aim to select a leader who will begin their tenure on [Start Date].”
2. Utilize an Updates Section
Keep your webpage dynamic by including an Updates section. Consider organizing updates from most recent (top) to oldest (bottom). Updates may include:
- Announcement of the search process,
- Invitations for families to fill out Family Leadership surveys and/or attend interviews,
- Summaries of family survey results,
- Important milestones like application deadlines and interview dates,
- Notifications of semi-finalists and finalists, including photos and brief bios to foster familiarity with the candidates, and
- Announcement of new Superintendent selection.
3. Provide a Search Timeline
A Search Timeline section is important for laying out the timeline and key phases of the search. Families want to know what steps are being taken and when they can expect updates. Break down the phases clearly, for example:
- [Date]: Position is posted. Community planning phase begins
- [Date]: Family Leadership Survey opens
- [Date]: Focus Group Report is developed
- [Date]: Recruitment phase begins
- [Date]: Mid-search report
- [Date]: Application deadline. Interview phase begins
- [Date]: Preliminary Interviews
- [Date]: Semi-finalist interviews
- [Date]: Finalist Interviews
- [Date]: Announcement of Final Selection
- [Date]: Contract to be offered
- [Date]: Selected superintendent assumes position
Pair information with dates to give families a roadmap of what’s happening and when. This also helps manage expectations and keeps people in the loop.
4. Share Board Priorities
Transparency is key, and sharing the Board Priorities for the superintendent search helps the community understand what qualities and leadership attributes are being prioritized. Some examples include:
- Vision and leadership skills
- A focus on student achievement and equity
- Strong community engagement
This section helps families and staff align their own expectations with those of the school board and feel assured that the process is centered around the district’s best interests.
5. Include a Save the Date Section
Create a Save the Date section for important upcoming community events. This might include Focus Group Meetings, relevant board meetings, and/or opportunities to meet the finalists. If you have virtual meeting options, link them directly here.
Recent Examples
A well-organized Superintendent Search webpage fosters transparency, trust, and engagement. Below are a couple of examples of recent well-executed Superintendent Search webpages:
