DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — The Douglas County School Board Tuesday night approved a timeline for the hiring of the district's new superintendent, after Corey Wise was fired earlier this month.
The vote was 4-3, with the four votes in favor coming from the conservative board directors in the majority.
> The video above aired at 10 p.m. Tuesday, before the board voted on the timeline.
Prior to the vote, several community groups, members and parents made their voices heard about a variety of topics, including advocacy for raising teacher pay, criticizing the board members on both sides of the aisle and more.
Wildcat Elementary School Principal Molly Milley said during public comment that she and other principals would like to have a say in the superintendent selection process.
"After all, while a superintendent may be the captain of the ship, we are the ones who make it sail. We have a deep understanding of our schools and can provide you input on what our stakeholders desire and respect in a district leader," Milley said.
The board decided last week that the superintendent job would be posted Feb. 17-25. They also approved an amended version of the job description.
Board President Mike Peterson said during the meeting that as of Tuesday night, they had eight applicants.
Tuesday night, the board approved the proposed timeline with two amendments. According to the approved timeline:
- An email blast will be sent out Friday asking people to be on forum panels.
- Candidates will be screened during a special meeting on March 1. Screening will continue on March 2 if necessary.
- Finalist interviews will be conducted March 3, with an opportunity for public comment. The board will vote on finalists.
- Finalist forum, engagement, and feedback will happen starting March 10 and continuing through spring break.
- A potential contract offer will be made during the regular board meeting March 22.
The previous hiring process, which last occurred when now-former superintendent Corey Wise was hired, was spread out over five months and into five phases.
The phases included requests for proposals, surveys of staff, meetings with focus groups that included administration, students and more -- all before the recruitment of candidates and selection of finalists.
In comparison, Denver Public Schools hired their superintendent, Dr. Alex Marrero, last June after separating out their hiring process over three phases and eight months.
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