By Patrick Tepoorten

The North Branch Area School District has begun the process of replacing superintendent Rodney Reisnouer, who recently announced his intention to retire at the end of the school year.

After interviewing a variety of companies, the school board has retained the services of search consultant Kenneth LaCroix.

LaCroix met with the school board prior to last Thursday's regular meeting and outlined the hiring process.

"I know the game and I know the people," began LaCroix, who proceeded to instruct the school board on they will proceed.

To start, the district will begin by recruiting potential candidates. LaCroix noted that as many as 60 districts statewide will be looking for new superintendents by the end of the school year, which could make competition for candidates fierce.

While the recruitment process is under way, LaCroix will spend a great deal of time in the district, speaking to staff. His intent will be to learn as much as he can about the district and what the employees would like to see in a superintendent.

"The more I can learn and gather, the more I can recruit," he explained.

The search for candidates is expected to end Feb. 28.

Following the recruitment process, LaCroix and the school board will begin to narrow the list of candidates through an interview process. LaCroix estimated that the district should expect five to six candidates to interview initially.

LaCroix, who will review applications and check references before the interview process begins. First interviews are scheduled for mid-March.

Following the initial interviews, the school board will reduce the list to two or three candidates for a second interview. At that time the district is expected to publicly reveal the names of finalists.

LaCroix cautioned the school board against releasing the names of candidates prior to the final round, saying that the public release of names can put a candidate's "neck out" back home, and there is little reason to do that if they are not to be considered for the final round of interviews.

Provided the district stays on track with the process, final interviews could take place at the beginning of April and a finalist selected. Following would be an offer and a contract negotiation, with the new superintendent to begin district employ in July of 2007.

LaCroix described the process as tedious, saying, "it consumes you," and offered some words of advice for the school board.

"Work as a team," he said.He warned against board members going off on their own and conducting recruiting. This practice can lead to division among school boards, as board member-recruited candidates may feel they have been endorsed by the board when that is not the case.

"People can get hurt when they don't get an interview," he added.

LaCroix also cautioned against speaking publicly or negatively in regards to candidates. "We want people who go through this process who didn't get the job to say they were treated fairly. There is no sense talking about candidates you don't like."

The board offered LaCroix some favorable characteristics for potential candidates including communication skills, integrity, demonstrated leadership ability, problem solving, knowledge of educational standards, and someone who is approachable, "non-moody," with good financial, public relations, and political skills.