Superintendent Search: WASB vs. a Consultant?

Probably more about search than you wanted to know- still it might be
interesting to compare a WASB search with a consultant search.

The current or planned searches at Menomonie, Black River Falls, and Racine
will probably not attract many of the same applicants as this one or ECASD's

Possibly more Minnesota based applicants in RF and for ECASD.
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Consultant hired for superintendent search
Phil Pfuehler River Falls Journal
Published Thursday, September 13, 2007


In less than a year, school district Superintendent Boyd McLarty will
be retired. Last Thursday night the school board picked an education
consultant to help find his replacement.
In a special meeting the board voted 6-1 to hire Kenneth J. La Croix
of Hastings, Minn., to guide the superintendent search.

The board will pay La Croix an $8,000 fee plus expenses, which are not
expected to exceed $600. The aim is to have a new superintendent named
by spring.


Board member Bob Gustafson called La Croix's presentation to the board
last week "very professional and enthusiastic."
Gustafson said La Croix has carried out more superintendent searches
than two other consulting firms, though none were done in Wisconsin.

"He'll also be close by (in Hastings) to work with," Gustafson said.

La Croix has done search and consulting activities for many Minnesota
school districts, including Red Wing, Farmington, Brooklyn Center,
Mahtomedi and Northfield.

School board members hope to set up a workshop soon with La Croix. At
that time, the level of public involvement in the superintendent
search will be decided.

This could take the form of forums, listening sessions and membership
on a search committee that makes a hiring recommendation to the board.

Two others competed for the superintendent search job: Fox River
Consultants, $5,800, plus expenses; and Wisconsin Association of
School Boards, estimated fee, $4,000-$7,000.

School board member Ned Fagan cast the lone no vote for hiring La Croix.

Fagan said La Croix seems "very competent, a straight-talking guy,"
but thought La Croix's very strong opinions might overwhelm board
members.