Search for new PSD superintendent begins

With about 10 months left in Chuck Cuzzetto’s time at the helm of the Peninsula School District, the board of directors is beginning the search for the next superintendent.

At the board’s Sept. 10 meeting, the district was directed to create a request for proposals from superintendent search firms.

Knowing the search could take time, the board is setting to work to find the best candidate. However, one board member is concerned that the start of the search has been sluggish.

“I think we should have started this yesterday … we need to start now,” board member Jerry Gibbs said. “I think we’re already behind the 8 ball.”

Cuzzetto said that there can be an issue with starting the search too early, as other superintendents may not be looking for jobs. An early search could eliminate good candidates, he said.

A search firm will do much of the reference checking and background work with candidates.

The district will use a similar timeline to the 2005-2006 school year search for a superintendent.

The first step will be to meet with staff to discuss the turnover. Proposals will likely be in by December with a community forum on the search to be held in January.

In the upcoming year, as the superintendent search continues, there may be a major overhaul for the school board. Four out of five positions are up for re-election. Wendy Wojtanowicz announced she will not run again and Jerry Gibbs, District 4, is an interim member. Rand Wilhelmsen and Matt Wilkinson are up for re-election and have challengers. Only David Olson will keep his seat this year.

In addition to commencing the search, the board also approved a policy that would accommodate transgender students.

The board next meets at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at Vaughn Elementary, 17521 Hall Road KP N, Vaughn.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 9:52 AM with the headline "Search for new PSD superintendent begins."