rochester public schools superintendent search - planning
TRANSCRIPT
Rochester Public Schools
Superintendent Search - Planning Meeting Checklist
March 30, 2021 – 4:00 pm
____ Review of Process
____ Timeline
• Option 1
• Option 2
____ Vacancy Brochure
• Draft language
• Hiring criteria
• Salary verbiage
• Salary comparisons
____ Stakeholder Input
• Qualifications survey
• Finalist interviews
____ Role of Superintendent
____ School District Spokesperson
____ Questions
March 22, 2021
Rochester Public Schools – Interim Superintendent Search Timeline (April 26 application deadline)
March 22, 2021 (5:30 pm, Special Meeting) Pre-planning meeting – Board reviews stakeholder survey
and search timeline
March 30, 2021 (4:00 pm, Special Meeting)
Planning meeting – Board adopts search timeline, reviews hiring criteria, search procedures, market positioning, and stakeholder involvement
April 2 through April 14, 2021 Stakeholder online survey open
April 2, 2021 through April 26, 2021 MSBA posts opening on websites (MSBA, MASA, EdPost, Revelus), advertises position vacancy, recruits candidates, receives applications, and responds to applicants’ inquiries
April 21, 22, 23 or 26, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting)
Board meets for interview training, and to discuss interview questions and procedures
April 26, 2021 Application Deadline
April 27 – TBD, 2021 MSBA conducts initial screening, preliminary verification
of references, and pre-interviews of recommended applicants
April 28 – TBD, 2021 Board members review applications
May 4, 5, 6 or 7, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting)
Board meets to determine finalists, interview questions and procedures; MSBA reviews interview training
May 10, 11, 12 or 13, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting)
Board conducts interviews with up to four finalists; Board selects lone finalist and sets negotiations process
May TBD, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting – if it’s a committee)
Board committee or designee begins negotiations of employment contract with lone finalist
May TBD, 2021 (Time TBD, Regular Meeting)
Board meets to approve employment contract
July 1, 2021 Interim Superintendent reports to work
March 22, 2021
Rochester Public Schools – Interim Superintendent Search Timeline (May 3 application deadline)
March 22, 2021 (5:30 pm, Special Meeting) Pre-planning meeting – Board reviews stakeholder survey
and search timeline
March 30, 2021 (4:00 pm, Special Meeting)
Planning meeting – Board adopts search timeline, reviews hiring criteria, search procedures, market positioning, and stakeholder involvement
April 2 through April 21, 2021 Stakeholder online survey open
April 2, 2021 through May 3, 2021 MSBA posts opening on websites (MSBA, MASA, EdPost, Revelus), advertises position vacancy, recruits candidates, receives applications, and responds to applicants’ inquiries
April 27, 29 or May 3, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting)
Board meets for interview training, and to discuss interview questions and procedures
May 3, 2021 Application Deadline
May 4 – TBD, 2021 MSBA conducts initial screening, preliminary verification
of references, and pre-interviews of recommended applicants
May 5 – TBD, 2021 Board members review applications
May 11, 12, 13 or 14, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting)
Board meets to determine finalists, interview questions and procedures; MSBA reviews interview training
May 17, 18, 19 or 20, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting)
Board conducts interviews with up to four finalists; Board selected lone finalist and sets negotiations process
May TBD, 2021 (Time TBD, Special Meeting – if it’s a committee)
Board committee or designee begins negotiations of employment contract with lone finalist
May TBD, 2021 (Time TBD, Regular Meeting)
Board meets to approve employment contract
July 1, 2021 Interim Superintendent reports to work
Rochester Public Schools is seeking an exceptional leader
to serve as
Interim Superintendent
Rochester Public Schools is proud of its many opportunities for learning, including early childhood education, quality neighborhood schools, district-wide programs and schools, alternative learning, and adult education. Additional Points of Pride include: Strong focus on equity for students and staff,
including a three-year plan to include an equity position on the cabinet
Diversity is celebrated and more than 80 languages are spoken in the schools
High graduation rate (86.5%) Strong partnerships within the community Four full-service community schools Two early learning schools Demonstrated commitment to student and
staff social and emotional well-being Innovative programming (Career/Technical
Ed at Heinz, P-TECH, INCubator edu, etc.) $180.9 million referendum passed in 2019
and an operating levy passed in 2015, even while 70% of eligible voters do not currently have students enrolled in the District
Supports for teachers include instructional coaches, new teacher mentorships, etc.
Award-winning Community Education department
Programming options such as Spanish Immersion, 45/15 calendar, Core Knowledge Curriculum, Montessori Elementary, ALC, Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP), Middle School Right Fit, Rochester Academy for Independent Living and more
The District is a partner in Cradle 2 Career, using a collective impact model to create access to the resources kids need
In 2019 nearly 7,000 volunteers put in 22,547 hours across the District
About the Community
Rochester is the third-largest city in Minnesota and lies along the south fork of the Zumbro River. Residents enjoy more than 3,500 acres of park land and more than 85 miles of paved trails. Additional features of the Rochester community include:
World-class medical system Low traffic congestion Award-winning nature center Strong nonprofit community Very diverse population Named the #1 mid-sized city by Livability.com
By the Numbers
Student enrollment: 17,635
Licensed staff members: 1,500
Non-licensed staff members: 1,150
Principals/Assistant Principals/Deans: 61 Cabinet members: 8 District buildings maintained: 34
Search Timeline
Announce Vacancy TBD, 2021 Application Deadline TBD, 2021 Applicant Screening TBD, 2021 First Round Interviews TBD, 2021 Second Round Interviews TBD, 2021 Approve Contract TBD, 2021 Superintendent Begins July 1, 2021
DRAFT - MSBA Executive Search Service - DRAFT
Application Deadline
To be considered for this position, an applicant’s completed file must be received by
MSBA prior to 11:59 p.m. on TBD, 2021
Leadership Profile
The Rochester School Board seeks an interim superintendent who:
Has proven experience in equity, diversity and inclusion
Is able to create an environment for staff, students, and community that supports and unifies the school district
Prioritizes listening as one of the most important communication and leadership skills
Possesses a demonstrated ability to build and sustain a diverse leadership team based on trust and collaboration
Holds experience in communicating school district needs and successes of students and staff in a manner that is understandable and appreciated by all stakeholders
Provides leadership for the school district through clear direction and delegation, supports the delegated work of the team, and holds team members accountable for their actions
Has proven experience in managing transition
Previous superintendent or cabinet-level administrator experience in a district the size of Rochester or larger is strongly preferred, but not required. Doctorate in Education also preferred but not required.
Deadline to apply: TBD, 2021
Deadline and Selection
MSBA’s Executive Search Service uses an online application process. Applicants begin the application process at mnmsba.myrevelus.com . To be considered for this position, an applicant’s completed file must be received by MSBA prior to 11:59 p.m. on TBD, 2021.
Applicants are requested not to contact school board members.
Rochester Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. The MSBA Executive Search Service is an equal opportunity search agency.
Salary and Benefits
TBD
Screening Team
A team from the Minnesota School Boards Association’s Executive Search Service has been selected to assist the School Board in securing and screening applicants. The search team will be led by Barb Dorn, MSBA Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search. Contact her at 507-508-5501 or [email protected] with any questions regarding this search.
School District Mission
To inspire, challenge, and empower all students with the knowledge and skills required to reach
their full potential, to contribute to future generations, and to become involved members
of a global community. We seek to inspire our students to become lifelong learners.
District Financial Highlights
General Fund Revenue: $ 242,906,148
General Fund Expenditures: $ 257,304,303
Unreserved Fund Balance: $ 21,404,622
Total General Fund Balance: $ 30,494,100
ROCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT HIRING CRITERIA
SCHOOL BOARD INSTRUCTIONS: Read the list provided below. Choose the SIX items you feel are the most important traits or skills the Interim Superintendent must possess.
2 Ability to rapidly assimilate system-wide data to support and grow ongoing District
initiatives
6 Proven experience in equity, diversity and inclusion
4 Prioritizes listening as one of the most important communication and leadership skills
0 Demonstrated understanding of the management role of administration versus the
governing role of the school board
0 Experience in all facets of Minnesota public school finance
5 Able to create an environment for staff, students, and community that supports and
unifies the school district
1 Ability to understand complex problems/opportunities, and to make data-driven decisions
3 Proven experience in managing transition
0 Assists the school board in developing their educational philosophy and setting of school
board goals
2 Successful experience in managing a school district-wide budget that focuses on the
needs of the students
2 Supportive and able to implement the goals and educational philosophy of the school
board
0 Experience in the implementation of curriculum changes/enhancements
4 Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a diverse leadership team based on trust and
collaboration
2 Implements practices and programming that are inclusive of all student populations
4 Experience in communicating school district needs and successes of students and staff
in a manner that is understandable and appreciated by all stakeholders
4
Provides leadership for the school district through clear direction and delegation,
supports the delegated work of the team, and holds team members accountable for their
actions
2 Skilled in advocating for students, staff, the school district as a whole and the community
1 Understands and has broad experience in the workings and processes of Minnesota
school boards
It is important that the Interim Superintendent have previous experience as a superintendent or
cabinet-level administrator in a district the size of Rochester or larger: Yes_6_ No_1_
It is important that the Interim Superintendent hold a Doctorate in Education: Yes_1_ No_6_
Vacancy brochure – salary language options
The current superintendent’s base salary for the 2020-2021 school year is
$XXX,XXX. The final salary will be negotiated commensurate with experience
and qualifications. The contract length is negotiable as provided in
Minnesota statute.
A competitive compensation package, with a minimum salary of $XXX,XXX,
will be negotiated commensurate with experience and qualifications. The
contract length is negotiable as provided in Minnesota statute.
A competitive compensation package, with a salary range of $XXX,XXX-
$XXX,XXX, will be negotiated commensurate with experience and
qualifications. The contract length is negotiable as provided in Minnesota
statute.
A comprehensive compensation package will be negotiated commensurate
with experience and qualifications. The contract length is negotiable as
provided in Minnesota statute.
District Name
20-21
ADMS Salary
Vacation or
PTO
Health
Insurance
403(b) or VEBA
Contribution Holidays Sick pay
ROBBINSDALE 11,489 220,928$ 60 PTO 100% 6,627$ 12 days 0 days
LAKEVILLE 11,608 230,000$ 30 days waives insurance 12,500$ 11 days 15 days
MOUNDS VIEW 12,098 225,000$ 46 PTO 100% 5,625$ 11 days 0 days
WAYZATA 12,755 236,670$ 28 days $1,482 per month family 14,200$ 10 days 16 days
ELK RIVER 13,380 235,059$ 30 days 100% single, 90% family 9,500$ 11 days 18 days
ROCHESTER 17,586 228,300$ 25 days 100% single, $1,286 family 2,750$ 9 days 12 days
SOUTH WASHINGTON CO. 18,579 182,870$ 21 days $1,595 family 5,000$ 11 days 15 days
OSSEO 21,114 229,500$ 30 days 100% 7,500$ 11 days 15 days
ROSEMOUNT-AV-EAGAN 29,198 230,076$ 28 days 100% 13,804$ 14 days 24 days
MINNEAPOLIS 31,442 230,000$ 35 days n.a. n.a. 11 days 12 days
ST. PAUL 34,405 240,000$ 31 days $1,500 per month 9,000$ 9 days 15 days
ANOKA-HENNEPIN 37,989 230,000$ 30 days $1,627 per month 7,500$ 11 days 15 days
1
Interim Superintendent
Stakeholder Survey
The School Board of Rochester Public Schools is conducting a search for an Interim
Superintendent to serve the District throughout the 2021-2022 school year. The Board is
soliciting input from stakeholders to help in the search, and the Minnesota School Boards
Association (MSBA), who is assisting the School Board with the search, will summarize and
provide an overview of comments for presentation to the Board. This information will help
shape the District’s hiring criteria and candidate interview questions. Please complete and
return this survey by DATE, 2021, to the District office at 615 7th Street SW, Rochester, MN
55902. Thank you for your participation.
Please select the title or role that best reflects the underlying basis or foundation for your
responses. Use only one response.
Community Member
Parent/Caregiver
Staff Member
Student
Other (please specify)
Read the list provided below. From this list, choose the top five areas of expertise you
believe the Interim Superintendent must possess. Leave the remaining choices blank.
Budget and Finance
Business Partnerships
Collaborative Leadership
Community and Parent/Caregiver Engagement
Contract Administration and Negotiations
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Legislation and Advocacy
Marketing and Public Relations
Personnel Management
School Facility Oversight
Staff Development – Team Building
Strategic Planning and Growth
Student Engagement
Student Learning
Support Services (e.g. special education, English learners, etc.)
Technology
2
It is important that the Interim Superintendent have previous experience as a superintendent
or cabinet-level administrator in a district the size of Rochester or larger:
Yes No
It is important that the Interim Superintendent hold a Doctorate in Education:
Yes No
Read the list provided below. From this list, choose the top five personal characteristics you
believe the Interim Superintendent must have. Leave the remaining choices blank.
Approachable and Personable
Collaborative
Confident
Consistent
Decisive
Effective Communicator
Empathetic
Enthusiastic
Honest and Ethical
Inclusive
Influential
Intellectual
Problem-Solver
Respectful
Strategic
Transparent
Other:
Please read and respond to the following questions:
1. What is important for the Interim Superintendent to know about positive things taking place in
the Rochester Public School District?
3
2. What is important for the Interim Superintendent to know about challenges facing the Rochester
Public School District?
3. What is important for the Interim Superintendent to know about the students and staff of the
Rochester Public School District?
4. What is important for the Interim Superintendent to know about the community in which the
Rochester Public School District is located?
Please limit any additional comments to the space provided below:
Please call Barb at 507-508-5501 if you have any questions regarding this survey. Thank you!
Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Search Round 2 Interviews - Audience Input Form
Audience members are asked to provide general comments about the candidate’s strengths
and any opportunities for growth as they relate to the Leadership Profile for the position of
Interim Superintendent for this district.
Candidate Name: ___________________________ Date: ______________________
1. What do you believe are the candidate’s top two strengths related to the Leadership
Profile for the position of Interim Superintendent for this district?
2. What do you believe are the top two growth opportunities for the candidate related to
the Leadership Profile for the position of Interim Superintendent for this district?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Audience members are asked to provide general comments about the candidate’s
strengths and any opportunities for growth as they relate to the Leadership Profile for the
position of Interim Superintendent based on the candidate’s responses to the interview
questions. The forms will be collected electronically by MSBA, who will share appropriate
comments with the school board as it begins its deliberation on the merits of each candidate.
The following are examples of appropriate comments:
• Candidate “A” has successful experience passing a multi-million-dollar referendum.
• Candidate “A” has successful experience overseeing new building construction and
renovation projects.
• Candidate “A” has successful experience building partnerships with a broad range of
community groups, businesses, and local government.
The following are examples of comments that are not appropriate:
• Candidate “A” is a politician, and I am not in favor of hiring a politician.
• Candidate “A” seems very self-centered and speaks like he/she owns the school district
– said ‘my parking lot,” “my building,” etc. – not respectful to taxpayers.
• Candidate “A” needs to work on smiling more.