According to their website
CABE Search Services was formed to support CABE's ongoing efforts to provide local boards of education with the resources they need to govern their districts effectively and productively. As such, we are uniquely qualified to assist school districts recruit and retain key personnel. We specialize in executive searches tailored to the specific needs of Connecticut districts.The website also shows the group's search service history. CABE Search Services has extensive experience in CT. It is currently performing superintendent searches in Wallingford, East Lyme and Columbia. However, most of their searches have been in relatively smaller towns in CT. Of the searches performed since 2006, only two districts, West Hartford and Danbury, are comparable in size to Norwalk.
The lead consultant is Eliza Holcomb; her profile and resume are available on the CABE website.
I have contacted Ms. Holcomb, an official from the West Hartford schools and Dr. Pappallo. I will update my story as I interview them.
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Regardless of the CABE track record, we have to consider the track record of the Norwalk BoE, which has the final say, and the board's track record is not good.
ReplyDeleteAstute observation, the search firm chosen seems to get hired mostly by small districts.
ReplyDeleteHow do larger districts deal with hiring a new superintendent? Is it mostly through search firms? Would there have been a better suited search firm for a city of Norwalk's size? I'm curious about what kinds of issues/candidates come up with a search firm that deals with smaller towns that may be different than Norwalk's needs. Also, it would be worth looking at the track record of the firm with regards to West Hartford and Danbury. Who are their Superintendents and have they had success in those districts?
ReplyDeleteThe search firm talks to people and learns what the qualities of the ideal candidate are for the district in question, and then it begins its ad campaign. However, a good search firm also has a database of individuals it may want to contact to apply for jobs for which the firm believes the candidates are well suited. The question to be asked, however, is whether or not the board of education is really interested in finding an effective educational leader who can inspire with word and deed, or if it is going to settle for less. I need to be convinced that the latter is not the case. I really hope I'm mistaken.
ReplyDeleteClocks running out. Is there a plan B? Will we be able to keep Papallo until a replacement is signed and seated? If not what is the backup plan?
ReplyDeleteMaybe having the clock run out has been the plan all along.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. Are they waiting for the assistant super to get certified?
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