Maine School Management Association provides each Maine School Boards Association member board with a no-cost workshop on how to conduct a superintendent search. MSMA also offers a special fee service to assist local Maine school boards in the development of appropriate superintendent search processes, in advertising to recruit broad and representative candidate pools, in obtaining input from staff and communities, and in the receiving of applications and arranging of interviews.

MSMA believes that the local board should be fully responsible for all decisions regarding its search procedure. Moreover, all judgments about applicants, from choosing initial candidates to be interviewed to the ultimate selection of the new superintendent, should be made by the school board through a carefully designed and implemented process.

An adaptable structure or format for the search is offered by MSMA, along with information, assistance in obtaining staff and community input, and orientation of participants. Customized draft policy documents are provided to aid compliance with statutes governing administrator hiring. MSMA also handles details such as advertising, recruitment mailings, correspondence, responding to inquiries and the receipt and tracking of applications.

MSMA assists MSBA member boards in superintendent searches. In making no recommendations concerning applicants, we stand in contrast to many private search consultants who may solicit individuals to apply and who may provide “short lists” of recommended candidates.

MSMA can offer full or partial search services depending on the need of the local school boards. Fees vary according to services desired.

For more information on the MSMA Superintendent Search Service, please contact Steven Bailey, MSMA Executive Director at 207-622-3473 or 1-800-660-8484.

MSMA is a member of The National Association of Superintendent Searchers