SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH TIMELINE

Sumter Search Process Timeline Approved

Phase I-Specifications

September/October 2025

Confirm the consultant and approve the Letter of Agreement
Planning meeting with the Board /Overview of search and decisions needed
- Discussion of Community Engagement Activities
- Approval of the advertising plan – 60 days
- Search calendar is presented for approval – Deadline for applications – January 3
- Finalize vacancy postings for website

October/December 2025

Public engagement with the Board, invited citizens/leaders - dates for two day community engagement meetings – November 18/19
Staff engagement and open forums in the community
Initiate a public and employee online survey – Window – November 16 - 26
Consultants present Community Engagement Report to the Board - December 8
Approval of Leadership Profile

Phase II: Recruitment

October -December 2025

Initiate Recruitment
Implement a marketing campaign.
Organize a four-part community engagement process, which includes:
- Interviews with Board members
- Internal and external small group meetings
- Public forums
- An online Superintendent Search Survey
Post the job position on approved websites
Open a web-based application system for electronic submissions
Reach out to highly successful school leaders whose experience, background, and skills may align with the school district's needs

January 2026

Review Applications (applications due – January 3)
- Assess the qualifications of applicants
- Use a unique candidate profile to evaluate the "fit" for the school district based on the Leadership Profile

Phase III and IV Assessment and Selection

January 2026

Screen applicants to select 4-6 candidates to present to the Board for interviews
Conduct thorough research into the candidates' backgrounds, including their online profiles
The school district must also perform a criminal background check on the final candidate before employment.
Develop key questions to ask and create rubrics to rate responses

January 2026

(Special Meeting) Consultants present the recommended candidate slate to the Board; the Board selects candidates for interviews
Board Interviews Candidate Slate (4 or 6 candidates)
First interviews held – special meetings (about l½ - 2 hours per candidate)
Board selects finalists
Second Interviews for three fiinalists /Day in the District
Board meeting to vote and name the new superintendent
The Board negotiates the candidate contract

February 2026

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