The Irvington School Board of Education has begun the search process to hire a permanent superintendent replacing Dr. Robert J. Roelle who was appointed interim superintendent on Aug. 15.
After interviewing a number of educational consulting firms that conduct superintendent searches, the Board, at its Sept. 27 meeting, retained Hazard, Young, Attea &Associates (HYA) of Illinois to assist in the search.
HYA was selected based on its experience in conducting more than 800 searches and its national network that enables it to identify and recruit current and emerging leaders in the field, while providing accurate, critical and confidential information regarding candidates under consideration.
Hank Gmitro, HYA President, said the firm prides itself on the longevity of the superintendents it helps place, estimating that approximately 85% of the individuals employed through its searches continue in the position (or have retired from it). “We are highly successful in our searches and look forward to this partnership with the Irvington school district,” he said.
Working with the Board, HYA will customize the search to meet the specific needs of the Irvington school community and find a leader whose focus is on the primary work of the schools – the improvement of student learning and educational opportunities for our students.
“During the coming months, we expect the search firm will meet with our community, identify our needs and, with input from stakeholders, create a leadership profile report that will guide our search and result in a successful appointment,” said John Dawson, BOE President.
The decision to engage HYA at this time keeps the district well on track to appoint a superintendent for the 2012-2013 school year.
