SDCOE to assist BUSD in superintendent search

The San Diego County Office of Education will be assisting the Bonsall Unified School District in the search for a new superintendent.

The BUSD board held a special meeting April 5 and voted 5-0 to approve a service agreement with the SDCOE to facilitate and advise the process for the Bonsall district to select a new superintendent.

"One of the most important jobs a school board has as a collective entity is to hire and interface with the superintendent," said BUSD board president Larissa Anderson. "The Bonsall Unified School District board of trustees is aligned and determined to find a dynamic leader who will build trust with all constituents to propel progress. Exceptional educational opportunities and outcomes for all students are bolstered by cohesive community building."

David Jones has been Bonsall's superintendent since Aug. 2017. In Feb. Jones notified the BUSD board that he will be leaving the school district at the end of the school year. His notification in Feb. allows the district to conduct a thorough search for his replacement.

"The San Diego County Office of Education offers extensive hiring services without the high fees associated with placement firms, and we look forward to a smooth transition with an ideal candidate," Anderson said. "Bonsall is a special place to live and work and learn and grow together."

Although the SDCOE will not charge the Bonsall district for the search, if the school district desires to reimburse a candidate for travel expenses that cost will be borne by Bonsall rather than by the county office. The district will also pay for any advertisements notifying potential candidates of the opening.

The SDCOE will first determine the scope of the search, the requirements, and the board objectives. That will include meeting with the board president and with staff designated by the board to discuss the process and timelines, meeting with stakeholder groups and individuals designated by the board, designing a survey and assisting in the development of survey questions, surveying constituents electronically, and conducting a planning meeting with the board.

During the recruitment phase the SDCOE will coordinate and place advertisements, recruit and contact candidates using state networks, correspond with the candidates about the desired characteristics and timelines, conduct reference checks, identify qualified candidates, coordinate interviews of candidates, and prepare the application package.

The board will determine the number of semifinalist and finalist candidates and will schedule interviews. The SDCOE will assist with developing questions for the board members to ask the candidates. The SDCOE will conduct site visits for candidates if necessary.

After the selection is made the SDCOE will communicate with both the tentative new superintendent and with the unsuccessful candidates. A debriefing meeting on the search process and selection will be held with the BUSD board. The county office will also assist the Bonsall district in negotiating and writing an employment agreement and if necessary facilitating the transition date for the new superintendent.