Austin ISD considers open vs. closed search process for new superintendent

Ray explained there is a perception that a closed search only protects candidates from their current employer finding out they are applying for other superintendent positions, but many candidates have said they are more concerned about how news of their interest in another district could harm initiatives in their current district.

Most of the trustees, including Cheryl Bradley, expressed interest in a closed search process or a "hybrid" process, rather than an open process making candidates' names available to the public throughout most of the search process.

"The bottom line is that we get the best candidate and we have to do it in a way that enables us to get the best candidate," Bradley said. "It would concern me if we had a candidate that did not mind stepping forward if it meant the ruin of a bond program or some other type of concerns in their sitting district."

Trustee Jayme Mathias suggested that the board avoid using the terms "open" and "closed" and seek a process that protects applicants while allowing the community to continue to provide feedback.

"At the end of the day, the voters of Austin elected us to make this decision. It's one of our most important decisions as a board," he said.

Board President Vincent Torres said while he thinks a closed search would provide the best opportunity, the Austin community would prefer an open search process that protects applicants until they are named among the top three candidates, rather than a sole finalist.

"You made a statement that all you need is one good candidate," he told Ray. "Not in this community. You can look at the newspaper reports from two searches ago when they brought forth the last three candidates; the criticism was 'Well, you spent all of this time and you only gave us one good candidate, you didn't give us anything to pick from.'"

Trustees also discussed potential timelines for the superintendent search, including one that would set Aug. 19 as the deadline for potential candidates to apply for the job. Ray said he does not think the November elections will have an effect on whether strong candidates will apply.

"Whether there's an election or not, the challenges are still the challenges," he said.

Board members said they are committed to making sure the district takes its time and does not rush its decision.

More information about the district's superintendent search is available at www.austinisd.org/superintendent-search.