How to Create a Time Line to Hire a Superintendent of Schools

Superintendents should be good orators, reasonably minded, and educationally inclined.

Hiring someone as important and instrumental as a school superintendent is something of which you should take deep consideration. The superintendent handles many administrative affairs as well as public relations issues; he often serves as the community liaison for the school district. However, when hiring a superintendent, you need to make sure that she is hired in a timely fashion to ensure that she has plenty of time to prepare for the job before diving into the position.

Instructions

1. Set a deadline for when the new superintendent must be in office. When working with a strict time line, it is often best to work backward so that you know what needs to be done when. This deadline should be the absolute latest you want the new superintendent in office. In an ideal situation, this deadline should be no less than nine weeks after the hiring process has begun. Such a time line makes your goals clear and will keep you on task during the search.

2. Announce a deadline for completed applications. Declaring a cut-off point for receiving résumés and recommendations will help you remain organized by narrowing the applicant pool to those who have followed your directions and met the deadline. The application deadline should ideally be three weeks into your schedule.

3. Schedule applicant interviews. You will need to meet applicants face-to-face to ensure that they meet the position's requirements. Schedule interviews only for the most promising candidates -- those with the greatest applicable work experience and qualifications. These initial interviews should take place over a three-week period to give you plenty of time to meet with all the qualified candidates. Leave two weeks prior to your hiring deadline available for second or third interviews with the one or two people who show the most promise. Spend the final week of the nine-week time line choosing the best candidate; then extend an offer for the job.

4. Stick to your deadline. There is no point in making a time line if you do not stick to it. No matter what, keep to the deadline that you have set for yourself in order to make an informed decision in an organized fashion.

References

• University of Kentucky: Hiring & Selection Timeline
• University of Kansas: Job Search Timeline