Our client the board is in charge

Every search is customized to meet district and community needs. OSBA's experienced executive search consultants will, throughout the process, present the board with options to consider; but, all decisions regarding the process are made by the board. The consultant's job is to facilitate the process and advise the board; and, with assistance from OSBA staff, swiftly and professionally handle the numerous details involved in this all important task.

Selecting the district’s chief executive officer is a board’s most important job.

The Oregon School Boards Association can help your board hire the right person for your district, ESD or community college.

OSBA was founded by school board members in 1946 to help elected citizens run their school districts. Our executive search service is the most comprehensive, experienced and successful service available in Oregon.

Since 1984 we've helped boards hire executives for over 460 school districts, ESDs, community colleges and other agencies.

OSBA's executive search service, which starts with the selection process and continues through the board's first year with its new executive, includes assistance with:

1. Establishing the search timeline, making sure the district can attract the largest pool of available candidates.
2. Determining selection criteria which accurately reflect district and community priorities by:
   • Conducting meetings with the board, staff and community members to determine desired candidate qualifications; and
   • Preparing and giving a report to the board on the results of these meetings. 
3. Advertising the vacancy and candidate recruitment by:
   • Immediate notice of vacancy throughout the United States, including advertisement in state and national publications and on the Internet.
   • Professionally designed brochure and application materials.
   • Extensive mailing of recruitment materials, plus 24-hour availability electronically on the Internet.
   • Handling calls and correspondence.
   • Maintaining application files.
4. Screening applications by:
   • Training and working with the board and/or designated committee.
5. Selecting the finalist by:
   • Helping the board develop the interview process.
   • Arranging interviews.
   • Preparing board members to conduct reference checks and site visits.
   • Notifying candidates of their status.
6. Establishing good board/executive relations by:
   • Providing an analysis of the current executive’s contract language and comparisons of salary and benefits.
   • Conducting a workshop with the board and new executive to develop expectations and set first-year goals.
   • Helping develop the executive’s first-year evaluation document and evaluation process.
   • Providing a policy and Oregon Law review session for the new superintendent with OSBA's Policy and Legal Services staff.