The Quincy Public Schools (QPS) Board of Education has decided to conduct a confidential search for the district's next superintendent. The board approved the measure during a special meeting on Wednesday, following a recommendation from the search firm hired to lead the process.
The firm, Hazard Young Attea Associates (HYA), advised that a private search would attract a larger and more qualified pool of candidates, particularly those who are currently employed in leadership roles in other districts and may be hesitant to apply publicly.
Key Takeaways
- The QPS Board of Education will keep its superintendent search confidential until a final candidate accepts an offer.
- The decision was based on the recommendation of search firm Hazard Young Attea Associates (HYA), which was hired for $17,000.
- HYA argued that confidentiality is necessary to attract sitting superintendents who do not want their current employers to know they are seeking other positions.
- The search follows the departure of the previous superintendent amid community concerns over the district's handling of a state investigation.
Rationale for a Confidential Search
During the public portion of the meeting, representatives from HYA explained the standard practice for superintendent searches in Illinois. Karen Sullivan, a consultant with the firm, stated that open searches are uncommon in the state and are typically only conducted where public disclosure is required by law.
Sullivan and her colleague, Brian Harris, emphasized that many potential applicants are currently leading other school districts. Publicly announcing their candidacy could jeopardize their current positions.
"Candidates don’t want their names out there," Sullivan explained to the board. "The reason we need to know this is because we need to let the applicants know it."
The board members agreed with the firm's logic. School Board President Shelley Arns voiced her support for the confidential approach to ensure the best possible outcome for the district.
"If that’s what we have to do, I think we go with confidentiality," Arns stated, with other board members showing their agreement.
Hiring and Process Details
The board hired Hazard Young Attea Associates for a fee of $17,000 to manage the search. According to Arns, she successfully negotiated the price down by $3,000. While HYA was the most expensive of the three firms considered, the board selected them based on their extensive experience in educational leadership recruitment.
The search process will be conducted in several phases, beginning with community engagement.
Leadership Transition
The search for a new leader comes after the board reached a separation agreement with former superintendent Todd Pettit. The board has stated that his departure was not related to any misconduct. Currently, retired educator Cal Lee is serving as the interim superintendent for QPS.
HYA will utilize an online survey to gather input from parents, staff, and community members. The results will help create a leadership profile outlining the key characteristics desired in the next superintendent.
"We’re excited to have you leading us," Arns said to the HYA representatives at the meeting. She urged the public to participate by filling out the QPS engagement form to ensure their voices are heard.
Harris explained that all documents related to the search will be available to board members through a secure online portal, as part of HYA's commitment to a digital and environmentally friendly process. "Every document we generate will be on that portal," he said.
Background and Community Concerns
The leadership change at QPS follows a period of public scrutiny. Over the summer, parents raised concerns about the district's communication regarding a state investigation into two physical education teachers at Denman Elementary School.
Public awareness of the situation grew after a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) report was published. The report indicated that the teachers had admitted to taping students' mouths shut and participating in mutual "birthday spankings."
Ongoing Investigations
While an initial state investigation found the teachers' behavior inappropriate but not criminal, the matter is not closed. According to reports, DCFS investigators have returned to Quincy for additional interviews. The Illinois State Board of Education is also conducting its own separate investigation. The two teachers remain on paid administrative leave pending the outcomes.
This context underscores the community's desire for strong leadership and transparent communication, qualities the board will likely prioritize in its search.
Ensuring Candidate Vetting and Long-Term Success
Once the search firm identifies a pool of candidates, they will move into the interview and finalist phase. HYA has recommended an additional step to ensure thorough vetting of the top contenders.
Harris advised the board to invest in a third-party background check for finalists, which would cost approximately $1,000. This enhanced check would use a social security number to conduct a deep dive into a candidate's financial and personal history.
To illustrate the importance of such measures, HYA referenced a recent situation in Des Moines, Iowa. The superintendent there resigned after being detained by ICE agents, who alleged the Ghana native was not authorized to work in the United States, despite having been with the district for two years.
"We dig deep," Harris told the board, "but we do recommend a third-party background check based on social security number. It’s an extra fee, but it’s reasonable."
After the meeting, Board President Arns reiterated her goals for the search. Beyond clearing a background check and possessing strong communication skills, she is looking for a leader committed to the Quincy community for the long term.
"What I’m most excited about is learning the community’s input regarding our next superintendent through sessions the search firm will conduct with stakeholders and the community survey," Arns said. "The board will learn a profile of key leadership traits."
HYA expects to finalize and post the job description in the coming days, leaving it open for at least two weeks to attract a robust field of applicants.
