by Peg Craig
Contributing Writer
A firm has been selected to help in the search for a new Elk River Area School District superintendent.
The School Board met Monday to interview firms to assist in the search for interim and permanent district superintendents.
The current superintendent, Mark Bezek, will serve until July 31, when he will leave to go to Somerset, Wisconsin. The board has decided to select an interim superintendent to lead the district until it finds a permanent superintendent.
School Board members listened to presentations from three search firms hoping to help them fill these positions. After follow-up questions and discussion, they decided to hire School Exec Connect.
This firm also handled the search process when Bezek was hired 10 years ago. School Board Member Sue Farber, who was on the board at that time, commented that they had done good job then. Other directors liked their national reach and commitment to finding a good match for the district and for the candidate.
To determine the qualities of an ideal candidate for the Elk River Area School District, they will use focus groups and an online survey for maximum participation. This community participation is one of the hallmarks of School Exec Connect’s process.
They will conduct a nationwide search and will present a slate of well-vetted candidates for the board to interview. Finalists will have a second interview.
If the candidate the board hires leaves for any reason within the first year, the firm will conduct a new search at no cost to the district.