The Olentangy School Board announced today that they are suspending their search for the district’s next superintendent and continue with Interim Superintendent Jenny Hooie through December 2008. “The hiring of a superintendent is the most important decision a school board will make,” said Board of Education President Scott Galloway. “We will not rush this critical decision.”
The board began the search for a new superintendent in March when Scott Davis announced he would step down due to health reasons. The Educational Service Center of Franklin County (ESCFC) hosted two community forums and an online survey in late April to receive feedback to identify the desired qualities the community wanted in the superintendent candidates. On May 16, after three board members conducted an initial paper screening of 15 candidates, the board announced the selection of five candidates to participate in interviews with the board beginning on May 22. This list of five was narrowed to two candidates to continue on in the process on May 30. On June 5, both candidates participated in an information session with members of the media; a community and staff group dialog; and, an interview with the entire board.
“The board conducted a thorough search process over the last few months,” said Board of Education Vice President and Chairman of the Search Committee Dimon McFerson. “Olentangy is a special place that expects nothing but the best for our students, staff members and community. We reviewed two qualified candidates who are doing a great job at their present districts. However, the board was not prepared to make an immediate decision and both candidates felt it was in their best interest to withdraw from consideration at this time.”
McFerson also commented that the board is appreciative of the progress this district has made and the outstanding support from the community in recent months. “From the overwhelming approval of the combined bond and operating levy in March to the new three-year contract with the Olentangy Teachers Association in April and the many student and staff accomplishments this board recognized in May, it is clear why Olentangy Local School is one of Ohio’s excellent and high performing school districts,” said McFerson. “The district will continue on an interim basis with Ms. Hooie while the board decides how to re-engage the search for a permanent superintendent.”
The board will continue their discussion regarding the superintendent search process during their regularly scheduled meeting on June 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the district’s administrative offices at 814 Shanahan Road in Lewis Center.