Schools chief search to begin

A national search for a new Spokane Public Schools superintendent will start after the holidays, school officials announced Thursday.

The school board’s decision comes just one week after Nancy Stowell announced she’s retiring effective June 30.

Bob Douthitt, board president, said a national search is warranted. “We felt we are the size district that: A) is attractive to candidates from around the country; and B) we needed to look at a fairly broad area to find candidates with the right type of qualifications.”

The board is in negotiations with Illinois-based Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, the same consulting company it used during the previous national search in 2007-’08.

“The search will cost about $25,000 plus expenses,” Douthitt said. “Last time, our total was about $44,500. This time I expect the final cost to be between $40,000 and $50,000.”

Starting in January, a consultant will meet with a variety of constituent groups in the community and develop a profile of desired characteristics, Douthitt said. “They will also do a profile on the strengths and weaknesses of the district. The company will then put those together to consider as we search for the next superintendent.”

School officials anticipate finalists will be identified in March and the new superintendent will be named sometime in April, Douthitt said.

“We are looking forward to getting moving on it, and getting the community’s input,” Douthitt said.