Editorial: Just do the superintendent search fer cryin’ out loud
As reported here and here, there is a fresh debate brewing at the HUSD school board. The question is whether the district ought to start a full fledged search for a new superintendent or just hand the job to Denise Birdwell. It sounds like Land and Anderson think there ought to be a search, Whitener and Standage want Birdwell, and Howell is undecided.
Here is my take: Birdwell may very well be the best candidate. But if the district doesn’t do a proper search how will we ever know for sure? Why not let Birdwell show she is the best when placed side by side with other qualified candidates? Handing her the job without an open competition for the job would leave lingering doubts about her. Smokey Robinson said it best: “You better shop around”.
And this “Let’s give her a year and decide whether to search later” approach I’ve been hearing tossed around is a total cop-out. That is effectively a decision not to do the search.
Now as a caveat: The one thing I haven’t heard is the costs associated with a superintendent search. If a search would cost $50,000 or something I would be less enthusiastic about it. But my guess is the costs could be kept reasonable. If that is the case, I think it is a no-brainer. Open the competition for the job and let the best candidate earn it.
Whatever your take on this subject, I encourage you to contact your board members (see here) and let them know. This is a pressing issue that they need to decide upon quickly.
