Board discusses superintendent search options; staff outlines internal, state and national approaches and costs

Gadsden ISD leadership presented options for conducting the next superintendent search on Jan. 8, explaining tradeoffs of candidate pool size, timeline and cost.

Staff described three search approaches: an internal search (managed by HR, limited to current district employees, no additional cost), a local/statewide search using organizations such as NMSBA (New Mexico School Boards Association) with an estimated cost example of $15,000, and a national search through private firms with estimated fees between $60,000 and $85,000.

The presentation outlined benefits of using a search firm—professional screening, community engagement, background checks and assistance with interview processes—and noted the board retains authority to set minimum qualifications, timeline, and the level of community involvement. Board members raised funding-source questions and were told search costs can be paid from board operational funds.

Several members said they preferred focusing on internal or statewide searches given budget considerations; the board asked staff to return with specific cost estimates (including partial/limited services such as screening applicants) and placed the recruitment process on the next meeting agenda as an action item so the board can select an approach.