EducationNews

Charles City Schools to Seek Interim Superintendent

The Charles City School District will seek an interim superintendent to replace outgoing Superintendent Mike Fisher.

The School Board met in special session Monday night to consider their options after attempts to hire a permanent replacement hit a snag when several of their top candidates accepted positions with different districts before Charles City could interview with them. Board President Pat Rottinghaus said the fact that other schools wanted those candidates is evidence the board had targeted highly capable applicants.

The board could’ve reopened the search, but members of the district’s leadership team, including Executive Director Student Engagement and Leadership, Tom Harskamp, expressed concerns that taking that approach could send red flags to potential candidates. 

Roger Wilcox with Grundmeyer Leader Services, the firm leading the search for Fisher’s successor, said that is a possibility, while also adding that, while an interim superintendent isn’t the perfect solution, the district could view hiring an interim as a six-month interview to see if that person is viable long term. Wilcox also noted that as recently as four years ago, most district’s began the hiring process of superintendents in February, but now those job openings are being listed in January and December. 

With Charles City opting to restart the permanent search next fall, it will place the district at or near the top of the list of jobs available. Thus, the board voted unanimously to direct Grundmeyer to seek a list of candidates for the superintendent on an interim basis.

Mark Pitz

News Director/Weekdays 10am to 2pm on 95.9 KCHA
ADVERTISEMENT
Back to top button