Search consultants outline Jan. 2026 semifinalist interviews and finalist engagement plan

Search consultants from Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) updated the Chandler Unified governing board on the superintendent recruitment timeline and outreach strategy.

Consultants said, as of the update, six candidates had submitted applications and six more were in the process of completing applications; they expected additional applicants before the Jan. 2 deadline. The firm described vetting procedures including internet/social-media and AI searches, reference checks, and preliminary meet-and-greets.

Key calendar items: the board will receive application materials and the firm’s vetting summary in early January; the board will conduct screening and select semifinalists on Jan. 13 (workshop) and will interview semifinalists in closed session on Saturday, Jan. 24 (planned start 7:30 a.m., interviews through the afternoon with deliberations afterwards). Up to three finalists are expected to be named publicly at the conclusion of the Jan. 24 process.

Finalist activities are planned for Wednesday, Jan. 28, when candidates will spend the day in the district for school tours, stakeholder panels and an evening community forum. HYA recommended livestreaming the community forum and providing an online input tool so participants (staff, parents, students, community members) can submit strengths/concerns for each finalist; those inputs would be summarized for the board during deliberations. Consultants requested that the board hold the morning of Jan. 29 as a placeholder in case the board needs additional time to decide.

Consultants also emphasized confidentiality for applicants during the semifinalist stage to protect candidates who may be in current leadership roles elsewhere.

Ending: Consultants asked board members to provide input on interview questions and finalists’ engagement activities and confirmed a final check-in meeting schedule before the next recruitment milestones.