HYA: Chandler Unified narrows superintendent pool to five semifinalists; finalists to visit Jan. 28

HYA consultants updated the Chandler Unified board on the district’s national superintendent search process on Jan. 14, saying the process has moved from stakeholder engagement to screening and selection.

HYA reported it received 16 applications (one withdrew late), the board reviewed 15 and selected five semifinalists for closed‑session interviews on Jan. 24. If the board selects finalists that day, up to three finalists will visit the district on Jan. 28 for school tours, panel interviews and three open community forums (each finalist for about 45 minutes); the district will livestream the forums and provide QR codes and Google forms for real‑time input.

HYA asked community members to submit questions or topics for finalists via the online superintendent landing page by Jan. 22 to inform forum questions. HYA and district staff said the board reserved Jan. 29 morning in case it needs more time for deliberations following the finalists’ visit.

HYA consultant Mr. Bash and colleagues answered board questions and said the process is designed to balance privacy and public engagement: semifinal interviews will be in closed session, while finalist activities will be public and include staff, students, parents and community members.

The schedule gives the public two windows to influence finalists’ interviews: an online input tool due Jan. 22 and the in‑person forums on Jan. 28.