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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Sunday, October 19, 2008 Everett looks solo for school chief The district is conducting its own search, saving a consultant's fee of $50,000 or more, but some question if it is the best strategy. By Eric Stevick Herald Writer EVERETT -- The Everett School Board will conduct its own national search for a new superintendent instead of hiring a consultant. Board members estimate that the district will save between $50,000 and $75,000 by conducting the search themselves. "We have a track record of success with an open, community process run by the board," said Karen Madsen, the board's president. The board on Wednesday will attend a PTSA-hosted public meeting, the first of several public comment sessions where people can tell the board what attributes they want in a new superintendent. The Everett teachers' union president and members of the minority community have reservations about the board's decision not to bring in a search professional. "The reality is if they involve all the parties in the process it could be just fine," said Kim Mead, president of the 1,200-member Everett Education Association. "But consultants know people and they search for people who might not even be looking to coming to this area. You can miss some candidates that are perfect for the current conditions." Bill Reed, a member of the Communities of Color Coalition, had urged the school board in a Sept. 29 letter to bring in an outside consultant to guide the search process. "While trying to save the fees associated with the use of an executive search firm appears laudable, it is really just another act of disenfranchisement," Reed wrote. "We are concerned that the board has decided upon an in-house search process to ensure a limited candidate pool and to manage the final candidate selection in a manner that is not at all inclusive." Madsen has pledged an open process and said the board will seek input from school district staff and residents. The board plans to be available to meet with the public in the ­morning, afternoon and evening to accommodate people's different schedules. A final selection is expected next spring. The board is looking to replace former Superintendent Carol Whitehead, who retired in August. Her family encouraged her to step down after she received a death threat through the mail. Karst Brandsma, who was deputy superintendent under Whitehead, was promoted to interim superintendent for the 2008-2009 school year. Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or stevick@heraldnet.com. School board to hold public meetings The Everett School Board is beginning its search for a new district superintendent with a series of public meetings, an online survey, a special e-mail address and a designated phone number to gather input about what attributes people want in a new superintendent. 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday: View Ridge Elementary School cafeteria, 202 Alder St., Everett 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 28: Administrative service center, 4730 Colby Ave., Everett 4 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28: Cascade High School library, 801 E. Casino Road, Everett 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 30: Heatherwood Middle School library, 1419 Trillium Blvd. SE, Mill Creek 4 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30: Henry M. Jackson High School library, 1508 136th St. SE, Mill Creek An online survey is available at www.everett.k12.wa.us under "In the Spotlight." Phone messages to the board can be left at 425-385-7878. E-mail comments can be left for the board at superintendentsearch@everettsd.org.

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