Interim superintendent Rich Carlson told school board members Tuesday evening that there’s only one applicant so far for the superintendent position that was posted on Nov. 17.
“It took a little bit of time after Thanksgiving but the last couple days we’ve been getting more and more (phone calls),” Carlson said. He added that the position is posted locally and on several websites for education professionals.
At the meeting, the board unanimously approved a consulting contract with Lenise H. Fontenot of The Professional Development Company to help facilitate the superintendent hiring process. Board president Anne Marie Palmieri said Fontenot offered a reduced rate of $75 per hour for her services, which she estimates will require 23.5 hours for a total of $1,762.50. The board approved a contract for her services for up to 40 hours.
Palmieri said she assisted Fontenot in drafting the proposal that came before the board and described it as “a rough outline of what she could provide.”
“It we wanted her to do more or less, she said that she would be willing to really do whatever it is that we want.”
Board members Sara Chapell and Sarah Swinton both said they liked the flexibility of the contract.
“I agree that not being in an iron-clad contract is probably beneficial to us,” Swinton said. “As we go we can figure out what we really need Lenise’s help for.”
Palmieri said one such need she’s looking forward to Fontenot’s help with is coming up with interview questions for candidates.
“I like the fact that she has a lot of experience with interview questions,” she said, adding that Fontenot will help the board ensure “that the interview questions reflect back to the information that we’re seeking.”
Board member Lisa Schwartz said, “I hope the third time’s a charm.” This is the board’s third search for a permanent superintendent in as many years.
Carlson is on his second stint with the Haines Borough School District as the interim superintendent. He was first hired after Ginger Jewell left the job after one year of a three-year contract in 2015. He was re-hired this summer after Tony Habra, hired in 2016, resigned.
The application process will close on Jan. 15 and interviews are slated for February.