Stonington school board moving forward on superintendent hiring process
Stonington — The Board of Education is moving forward to recruit and hire a new superintendent to replace the retiring Van Riley.
Last month, Riley notified the board that he would be retiring after nine years leading the school system. No date for his departure is set, as Riley said he and the school board can mutually determine his last day of work once the board has a contract with his successor. Riley's contract runs through June 30, 2022.
On Thursday night, the board discussed a detailed analysis done by new board member Kevin Agnello of the three firms that have so far submitted proposals to conduct the search and provide a group of qualified candidates to the hiring committee. In addition, board members reaffirmed the previous board's consensus to proceed with the search instead of first considering candidates who currently work inside the school system. Inside candidates still could apply during the upcoming search process.
The board also agreed to schedule a meeting to ask questions of the three search firms and any others who submit proposals before hiring one.
"One of the most important things we will do this year is hire a superintendent," board Chairman Farouk Rajab said.
The board's plan is to hire a search firm at cost of $10,000 to $17,000, that will first reach out to school staff and the community to learn what they would like to see in a new superintendent. A search firm then will advertise and screen the applications, checking backgrounds and credentials. A committee comprising town and school officials, school employees and residents will then screen the candidates the search firm feels best meet the town's requirements and then select three to send to the school board. The school board then will interview and possibly choose one for a job offer.
The process is expected to be completed late in the winter or next spring.
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