Austin ISD board begins process for naming interim superintendent

The AISD board did not discuss names of potential candidates or take any action at the meeting.

Trustee Amber Elenz said members of the community can use a new a website to stay informed about the superintendent search and provide feedback.

"We've actually gotten some really interesting feedback from people already," she said.

Trustee Jayme Mathias said community members have said they want an interim superintendent with knowledge of Austin, the needs of the district and the ability and willingness to engage the community.

Maintaining programs such as dual-language and social and emotional learning are important to parents, trustee Ann Teich said.

"It's critical that we not lose momentum at this point in time," she said.

Trustees also discussed how soon it could put out a request for proposals, or RFP, for a consulting firm to help the district with its long-term superintendent search.

Trustee Gina Hinojosa said the board should put out its RFP as soon as possible.

"We've been given an opportunity here," she said. "I feel like the superintendent might possibly leave at the perfect time, giving us the summer to work. She's left us pretty much a budget that's all but baked. Everything is ready for the school year to start, and so an interim wouldn't have to do much more than kind of follow the plan."

Hinojosa suggested the board meet April 15, the day after it finds out about whether the superintendent is leaving.

When the board can vote depends on the way board documents are worded, said Mel Waxler, the school district's chief of staff.

"We can put together the language that will allow you to meet contingent upon receipt of a valid letter of resignation from the superintendent," Waxler said.

Hinojosa proposed a timeline of posting the RFP on April 15, choosing a proposal by May 5, engaging parent and teacher communities in May about a superintendent profile, and then using June to gain input from the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood associations and other groups. The district could post the profile June 3 of what the district wants in a superintendent, put a final posting up June 9 and collect applications July 7. The board would conduct interviews and select final candidates Aug. 4.

A few trustees, including Torres and Robert Schneider, said that timeline is too short.

Torres noted the board's task at hand was deciding on a timeline of when to post the RFP and finding a search firm. He explained there will be a negotiation process that takes place with the consulting firm. He advised the board to be mindful of the community and reminded trustees that they have to be present at upcoming ceremonies and continue their work on the facility master plan, which they aim to complete by June.

"I think this is a very aggressive schedule that was proposed," he said. "We have a lot on our plate. I strongly recommend that we not add more things to it that we can't realistically complete and then end up falling flat on our face."

Torres said he has spoken with board presidents of school districts that have recently undergone superintendent searches. Those districts recommended a 21-day RFP timeline, meaning the RFP is sent out and is then "out on the street" for 21 days to allow firms time to respond.

Moya says the district needs to make sure it has enough time to do things right.

"We've gotten flack in the past about doing things too fast," she said. "I just want to make sure that we do this thoughtfully."