Help with search for new superintendent won’t cost a thing

The USD 234 Board of Education will use the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center at Greenbush to assist in the search for a new superintendent.

During its Monday meeting, the board approved a contract with Greenbush to assist with the search for a replacement for Superintendent Bob Beckham, who announced his early retirement in February.

The contract states Greenbush will “assist the Fort Scott USD 234 in the recruitment and selection of a superintendent of schools.”

USD 234 Business Manager Gina Shelton said the district will save about $5,000 using the service as Greenbush has waived all fees for the district. The district is using a couple of tools to aid in the search.

Board President Jamie Armstrong said about 294 responses have been returned in a survey the district has made available through the district’s website, www.usd234.org, and on social media. The survey is meant to help the board and district officials determine what patrons would like to see in a new superintendent.

“Anyone can fill out an applicant and resumé,” Shelton said.

Greenbush will provide a consultant, Bart Swartz, who has “spent the last 19 years as a school administrator, human resources director and service center associate executive director. He has worked with multiple organizations and individuals, training them on recruitment and hiring techniques, effective staff evaluation, and long-term strategic planning. He also mentors current and aspiring principals and superintendents in Kansas,” the contract states.

Services Greenbush will provide include:

• Access to recruit and hire HR software to provide access to the online application process, online reference check system, and pre-screening interview system.

• Vetting and review of applicants to share with the board of education.

• Promotion and marketing of position if needed.

• Development of interview questions aligned with desired candidate qualities.

• Assistance in development of the interview process.

• Completion of reference checks for all finalist candidates.

• Confirmation of proper licensure for all candidates.

Greenbush has served school districts, municipalities and nonprofit organizations across Kansas and the midwest since 1976.

During a special board meeting in February, the board made some administrative changes, one of which was Beckham’s early retirement request. He has served as superintendent since 2014. The board voted 6-1 to approve Beckham’s request; the transfer of Fort Scott High School Assistant Principal Jeff DeLaTorre to the position of high school activities/athletic director for the 2018-19 school year; and the transfer of Amber Toth, a speech and debate and forensics teacher at the high school to the position of assistant principal at the high school for the 2018-19 school year.

The vote followed an executive session to consider employment for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Beckham’s last day with the district will be June 29 with an official retirement date of July 1, according to a letter from Beckham to the board.

Beckham told the Tribune in February he “knew it was time to retire” without pointing to one specific reason for his decision.

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