Board reviews superintendent-search RFQ timeline and invites public input

General counsel Danielle Hough briefed the board on the superintendent-search procurement timeline, saying the district had issued a request for qualifications and invited about 15 firms to respond. She outlined the schedule: vendor questions due Sept. 6, published answers Sept. 20, board interviews expected Oct. 12, and a target to finalize a search-firm contract by Oct. 26.

Board members asked how the community will be involved in selecting the search firm and in articulating the qualities the board and community seek in a superintendent. Hough said the RFQ sets criteria for evaluating search firms, and once a firm is selected that firm typically helps design a community-engagement process to gather input on candidate qualifications.

Public commenters emphasized transparency and asked that fiscal competence, accountability and equity be central selection criteria. Beth Kelly told the board the RFQ lacked explicit language requiring fiscal expertise, warning the district faces a structural-funding shortfall tied to enrollment declines and LCFF base reductions.

President Gabriela Lopez and staff said the board will create multiple opportunities for families to weigh in, including when finalist firms present to the board in public session.