December 8, 2014

Dear Hibbing School District Stakeholders:

The Hibbing Public Schools Board of Education has contracted with School Exec Connect, a superintendent search firm, to assist with the search for a new superintendent. Board members want you to be informed of the process that we will be following as we conduct the search for a new superintendent.  Additionally, we hope that you will give your input to assist us in making the best selection possible.

To begin the process, the School Exec Connect consultants, Dr. Charles (Charlie) Kyte and Mr. Bob Ostlund will meet with board members, school staff, parents, students and community members individually and in focus groups in January to determine the challenges, strengths, goals of our district and what characteristics or skills you would like to see in a superintendent.  Additionally, our staff and community members will have the opportunity to give confidential written feedback to the consultants via our website through a link to a questionnaire in an online survey.  Using this information, we will develop a profile of the skills and characteristics desired in the next superintendent.

You may choose to give your confidential feedback to us by accessing the Hibbing Public Schools website at www.hibbing.k12.mn.us and completing the Survey form.   All replies will be confidential.  Please submit your feedback from December 15 to January 14.

The position will be advertised and candidates will be recruited in December, January and February.  On March 3 the Board and consultants will meet to review and select candidates to be initially interviewed.  The Board will interview five or six recommended candidates on March 4 & 5 and narrow the field to 2 or 3 candidates.  The Board will then conduct final interviews on March 10, 11 & 12.  Each candidate will be invited for an all day interview process including open forums that will be available to staff, students and community members and a final formal Board interview.  The Board will ask staff, students and community during the final interviews to provide input into the selection.  You will be able to do this by participating in an open question and answer session with each candidate and completing a feedback form to be shared with the Board.  We plan to act on the new superintendent’s contract in early April. 

Please feel free to contact Charlie Kyte (651-247-6505) or Bob Ostlund (612-308-8997) if you have any questions regarding the search.  We look forward to your assistance in this search process and believe that your input will help us make the best possible choice for your next superintendent.

Sincerely,

Board of Education, Hibbing Public Schools