School board more directly involved in narrowing superintendent search

    In their search for a new school superintendent for next year, the CCS board of education is taking a more hands-on approach in narrowing applicants down to those interviewed.
    Board President Jeff Olsen said all applications for the position are going through him, and the board will decide on the four or so to be interviewed.
    In the past several superintendent picks, the board used an outside search firm to narrow the list of applicants down to the ones interviewed.
    Olsen said they have specifics in what they are looking for in a superintendent for 2020-21.
    “We need an education leader No. 1,” he said.
    They’re seeking candidates with other top qualities that include being a good communicator, a good leader and “one with some good budget and financial background.”
    Olsen said they might use an outside firm only to do background checks and certification on the finalists.
    The board is advertising for candidates in the Omaha World-Herald and on a  Teach Nebraska website.
    Deadline for applications is Dec. 24. Olsen said they’ve received four to five applications so far.
    Olsen said it’s their desire to start interviews the first or second week of January, and conduct them over a one to two day period with hopes of having someone hired later next month.
    Larry Lambert was hired this fall as interim superintendent for the rest of the 2019-20 school year to replace former Supt. Randy Klooz, who resigned in October.
    More on Tuesday’s monthly school board meeting will come in next week’s issue.