School Board Discusses Superintendent Search Cost

By Eliza Hallabeck

Board of Education Chair Debbie Leidlein said she wanted to have the topic of the cost associated with a superintendent search discussed at her board’s Thursday, November 8, meeting, because there has been confusion over the issue.

Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson has previously said she has no plans to leaver her position, and the $80,000 to $100,000 requested in the school’s 2013-14 proposed budget for a superintendent search is justified because the school board opted not to renew Dr Robinson’s three-year contract last June.

On Thursday, board member John Vouros said he was confused why the topic came up in the first place.

Had the school board renewed Dr Robinson’s contract in June by extending it for a year, as has happened each year since Dr Robinson started her term in Newtown, board member Keith Alexander explained there would be no need for a superintendent’s search in next year’s budget. With her contract ending in two years, if not renewed before that time, Mr Alexander said next year is when a superintendent search would need to begin.

Following previous discussion on the $80,000 to $100,000 cost, Mr Vouros said he contacted a Connecticut Association of Boards of Education representative and requested an estimate on how much a superintendent search would cost, and he was told a range of $10,000 to $25,000. He was also informed the $25,000 cost is normally associated with large urban school districts. Mr Vouros later called a friend, who is a former superintendent, and his friend told him $25,000 for a superintendent search is on the high side.

“So $75,000 to $100,000 is ludicrous, and second we don’t have that kind of money,” said Mr Vouros.

Saying he does not think the school board should be discussing the topic, Mr Vouros explained, “It sets the wrong tone.”

Since school district Business Director Ronald Bienkowski was not present for Thursday’s meeting, Mr Leidlein said the school board would look for his input at a future meeting.

At an October 17 multiboard budget information session, Mr Bienkowski explained if needed, the budget would include the contracting of a “high level” search consultant or firm that would conduct focus groups in the community to come up with a profile on the type of superintendent candidate the community wants or needs.

The business manager also said at the October 17 meeting that these executive searches are often regional or nationwide, and the budget is required to place advertising for the position in professional or national publications, as well as covering air fare and lodging costs for candidates who may come to be interviewed from beyond the immediate area.

Also during the school board’s Thursday meeting, it approved its 2013 schedule of meeting, including budget meetings set between January 8, when Dr Robinson will present her proposed 2013-14 budget, and January 31, when the school board anticipates adopting its budget.