April 4, 2023
The Board of Education formally appoints Dr. Cory Gibson to the position of Superintendent
The Board of Education at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 3, took action to formally appoint Dr. Cory Gibsion to the position of Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2023. Gibson will work with the Board and current Superintendent Dr. Frank Harwood to implement a smooth transition of leadership.
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March 29, 2023
The Board of Education selects new superintendent
The Board of Education of Unified School District No. 232 offered the position of Superintendent of Schools to Cory Gibson, Ed.D., pending final employment discussions and formal approval by the Board. The appointment of Dr. Gibson would be effective July 1, 2023.
This announcement concludes a lengthy search process by the Board of Education which included a total of 21 applicants and several hours of interviews. “Naming a superintendent is one of the most important decisions a Board of Education will make," said Ashley Spaulding, Board of Education President. "The Board appreciates the input received from patrons throughout the search process, and values the feedback received from the groups of teachers, support staff, and administrators that met each candidate. This truly was a collaborative effort among our district community, and I could not be prouder to have Dr. Gibson as our next superintendent. The Board is confident he will provide the leadership necessary to continue moving our district forward to future success. On behalf of the Board, we are excited to welcome Dr. Gibson and his family to the USD 232 family.”
Pending formal approval by the Board, Gibson will work with current Superintendent Frank Harwood and the Board of Education over the next several weeks to provide a smooth transition of leadership with a focus on continuous improvement. "I am honored by the confidence placed in me by the USD 232 Board of Education,” Gibson said. “While the Valley Center School District has been home to my family for the past eleven years, and will always hold a special place in our hearts, I look forward to the opportunity to lead and grow with the USD 232 community. Its outstanding reputation, current success, and future potential make this an exciting time for the school district.”
Gibson is currently the superintendent of Valley Center USD 262 in Valley Center, Kansas, just north of Wichita. He has held the position since 2012. Valley Center USD 262 serves approximately 3,300 students with nine schools in operation, including two schools located on the grounds of residential youth facilities.
In addition to Proud Superintendent, Dr. Gibson has had many other titles throughout his career in education – custodian, district maintenance employee, latchkey assistant director, paraeducator, teacher, consultant, counselor, principal, and assistant superintendent.
He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1998; his master’s degree in school administration in 2002; his district level administration degree in 2007; and his educational specialist degree in 2009, all from Pittsburg State University. He received his doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas in 2016.
Gibson began his teaching career in 1999 at R.V. Haderlein Elementary School in Girard, KS; was principal and counselor of Roosevelt Elementary School in Miami, OK until 2003; was principal of Lakeside Elementary School in Pittsburg, KS from 2003 to 2006; was principal of Pittsburg Community Middle School from 2006 to 2008; was assistant superintendent of USD 250 Pittsburg Public Schools from 2008 until 2010 and adjunct professor of Leadership Studies at Pittsburg State University during that time; and was superintendent of USD 440 Halstead-Bentley Schools from 2010 until 2012.
Gibson is currently an adjunct professor of Leadership Studies at Wichita State University and Baker University.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Gibson serves as a member of numerous local, regional, and state-wide organizations. He was recognized as Kansas Superintendent of the Year in 2020; Friends of Education Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force ABC Award in 2020; University of Arkansas Outstanding Doctorate Student in 2017.
Gibson was born and raised in Dodge City, Kansas. He and his wife Jennifer are parents to two children.
The school district will work with Gibson to schedule opportunities in the near future for parents, students and employees to meet the new superintendent.
Superintendent Search Process
The Board of Education began the formal process of searching for a new superintendent in October 2022. In November, the Board selected GR Recruiting to aid in the superintendent search through an intentional and thorough method to attract the best candidates.
Timeline to Date
- October 3, 2022 – Superintendent Frank Harwood officially announced his retirement from USD 232. Dr. Harwood will complete the school year with his retirement effective June 30, 2022.
- October 4 – The Board of Education issued requests for proposals for executive search services to 34 firms and individuals. The deadline for proposals was October 19.
- November 1 – The Board of Education held a special meeting to interview three search firms to aid with the search process.
- November 7 – The Board selected GR Recruiting to help with the superintendent search process.
- December 10 – The Board conducted a special meeting (work session) to finalize the superintendent search process, including a general timeline.
- Week of December 12 – Information prepared to promote the open position.
- January 5, 2023 – Community stakeholder online survey opened to gather input on superintendent leadership and management qualities desired by the community.
- January 17 – Deadline for stakeholders to take part in the online community survey.
- January 24 – The Board of Education reviewed stakeholder/community input and completed a superintendent profile.
- January 24 through February 22 – Position promoted; applications accepted from candidates and recruitment of candidates who meet the superintendent profile.
- February 22 through March 3 – Candidate applications and materials screened; conducted background and reference checks.
- March 6 – Board of Education discussed candidates to be interviewed; nine of 21 candidates moved forward for consideration; reviewed initial candidate interview materials; invited five candidates to participate in semifinalist interviews; finalized questions for semifinalist interviews.
- March 20-21 – Board interviewed semifinalist candidates; selected three finalists; finalized questions for interviews.
- March 27-28 – Final interviews conducted with three candidates.
- March 29 – Board offered position to Dr. Cory Gibson, pending formal approval by the Board.
USD 232
Unified School District No. 232 of Johnson County, Kansas, serves approximately 7,500 students in northwest Johnson County. The school district covers nearly 100 square miles covering the City of De Soto, and portions of Shawnee, Lenexa and Olathe. There are currently 13 schools in operation; seven elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, and Cedar Trails Exploration Center.
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Posted March 21, 2023
The Board of Education selects three finalists for superintendent position
The Board of Education continued its formal process of identifying the next superintendent of schools by conducting semifinalist interviews during special meetings on Monday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 21. Following those interviews, the Board selected three candidates as finalists who best meet the desired leadership traits, management style, communications strategies, experience and qualities identified through stakeholder input from parents, staff, community members and students.
Interviews for the finalists are scheduled to take place over two days, March 27 and 28, and will incorporate interviews with small groups of teachers, support staff, and administrators. To the extent possible, the Board will keep the identity of the individuals confidential as all candidates are currently employed, enjoying success in their current roles, and were not necessarily looking for new opportunities. Following the final interviews, the Board hopes to publicly announce the next superintendent of schools on or about March 29.
Background
The Board of Education began the formal process of searching for a new superintendent in October 2022. In November, the Board selected GR Recruiting to aid in the superintendent search through an intentional and thorough method to attract the best candidates.
On March 6, 2023, the Board discussed the 21 individuals who completed applications for the position of superintendent. Of that number, nine applicants were moved forward for consideration by the school board. Following extensive discussion and review of initial candidate interview materials, the Board invited five candidates to participate in semifinalist interviews which took place on March 20 and 21.
Timeline to Date
October 3, 2022 – Superintendent Frank Harwood officially announced his retirement from USD 232. Dr. Harwood will complete the school year with his retirement effective June 30, 2022.
October 4 – The Board of Education issued requests for proposals for executive search services to 34 firms and individuals. The deadline for proposals was October 19.
November 1 – The Board of Education held a special meeting to interview three search firms to aid with the search process.
November 7 – The Board selected GR Recruiting to help with the superintendent search process.
December 10 – The Board conducted a special meeting (work session) to finalize the superintendent search process, including a general timeline.
Week of December 12 – Information prepared to promote the open position.
January 5, 2023 – Community stakeholder online survey opened to gather input on superintendent leadership and management qualities desired by the community.
January 17 – Deadline for stakeholders to take part in the online community survey.
January 24 – The Board of Education reviewed stakeholder/community input and completed a superintendent profile.
January 24 through February 22 – Position promoted; applications accepted from candidates and recruitment of candidates who meet the superintendent profile.
February 22 through March 3 – Candidate applications and materials screened; conducted background and reference checks.
March 6 – Board of Education discussed candidates to be interviewed; nine of 21 candidates moved forward for consideration; reviewed initial candidate interview materials; invited five candidates to participate in semifinalist interviews; finalized questions for semifinalist interviews.
March 20-21 – Board interviewed semifinalist candidates; selected three finalists; finalized questions for interviews.
March 27-28 – Tentative dates to conduct final interviews.
On or about March 29 – The Board hopes to publicly announce the selection of superintendent.
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Posted March 7, 2023
The Board of Education selects five semifinalists who best meet the superintendent profile generated through stakeholder input.
The Board of Education at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 6, 2023, continued with its formal process to identify the next superintendent of schools.
Board members met with GR Recruiting, the search firm assisting the Board, to discuss the 21 individuals who completed applications for the position of superintendent. Of that number, nine applicants were moved forward for consideration by the school board. To reach this point, GR Recruiting put candidates through a thorough screening process that also included reference and background checks.
After extensive discussion, the Board selected five individuals to participate in semifinalist interviews. The semifinalists were chosen based on the stakeholder input from parents, staff, students, and community members about the desired leadership traits, management style, communications strategies, experience and qualities of the next superintendent. Those interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place the week of March 20.
Following the semifinalist interview process, the Board will identify finalist candidates for additional interviews, which are tentatively scheduled for the week of March 27. The finalist process will incorporate interviews with small groups of teachers, support staff, and administrators. The Board hopes to announce the next superintendent on or about March 29.
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Posted January 25, 2023
The Board of Education finalizes superintendent profile based on stakeholder input
The Board of Education met during a special public meeting on Tuesday evening, January 24, and finalized the profile of the next superintendent of schools.
Board members reviewed community input collected by GR Recruiting through a survey to identify the key leadership traits, management style, and communications strategies which are most important for the position of superintendent. The survey, which was open from January 5-17, collected 644 unique responses with the vast majority of input from parents of current students. See the overall summary of the survey results.
The Board also reviewed input received from the De Soto Teachers Association regarding the search for a superintendent.
Following a detailed discussion of the perceptions and opinions of survey participants, the Board finalized the candidate profile.
USD 232 seeks a superintendent who….
- Is an effective communicator, creating strong school and community relations.
- Is a trusted leader who values ethics and integrity, by practicing moral authority.
- Empowers others by promoting team strengths and a student-first approach.
- Is accountable and responsible for actions.
- Leads by example through honest practices.
- Shows transparency by sharing the organization’s goals and challenges to promote staff engagement.
- Makes strategic, high-quality decisions with a big-picture lens, while managing district resources.
- Knows stakeholders’ interests through listening and learning continuously.
- Builds strong, diverse teams, promotes teamwork for all, and is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Fosters creative and innovative practices in order to promote continuous improvement.
Applications for the position of superintendent will be accepted through Wednesday, February 22. The Board of Education will reconvene on March 6 to discuss candidates, screening, and reference checks with the objective of identifying semifinalists. Interviews are tentatively scheduled to begin the week of March 20, with finalist interviews the week of March 27. Board members also agreed to incorporate finalist interviews with small groups of administrators, teachers, and support staff. There will also be an opportunity to incorporate student representation into the process as the Board considers final candidates.
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Posted January 18, 2023
Special Board of Education meeting to finalize superintendent profile based on stakeholder input
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Board will meet in the Boardroom at the district's Administrative Offices, located at 35200 West 91st Street, De Soto, Kansas. The purpose of this meeting is to review superintendent search stakeholder survey results and finalize the superintendent profile. Action will not be taken. No agenda will be provided. Public comment will not be accepted during the meeting.
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Posted January 5, 2023
The Board of Education is seeking stakeholder input through an online survey.
The search for a new superintendent of schools is now underway by the USD 232 Board of Education. One of the first steps in the search process is to ask stakeholders to complete an anonymous survey. Your input as a member of the community about the key leadership traits, management style, and communications strategies which are most important for this position will help ensure the new hire is an excellent fit for USD 232.
Please consider taking part in the anonymous survey. > Superintendent Search Survey
The online survey is open and will close at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Thank you, in advance, for taking time to share your input. The USD 232 Board of Education welcomes and appreciates your feedback.
Hiring a superintendent is one of the most important decisions a Board of Education will make. To that end, USD 232 is working with GR Recruiting to aid in the search for a superintendent through an intentional and thorough process to attract the best candidates. The GR Recruiting search team will produce a report based on the information gathered through the stakeholder survey. The Board of Education will use the survey data to develop a position profile to recruit and select a new superintendent.
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Posted December 12, 2022
The Board of Education establishes a general timeline for the superintendent search.
The Board of Education conducted a work session on Saturday morning, December 10, to finalize the search process to identify the next superintendent of schools. The public special meeting was held at Cedar Trails Exploration Center in Lenexa.
Hiring a superintendent is one of the most important decisions a Board of Education will make. To that end, USD 232 is working with GR Recruiting to aid in the search for a superintendent through an intentional and thorough process to attract the best candidates.
The general timeline for the search includes community input from stakeholders on what leadership and management qualities the community desires in its superintendent of schools, followed by an application period, screening and reference checking, and interviews. A selection of the superintendent followed by an announcement is expected in March 2023. More information will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.
Background
October 3, 2022 – Superintendent Frank Harwood officially announced his retirement from USD 232. Dr. Harwood will complete the school year with his retirement effective June 30, 2022.
October 4 – The Board of Education issued requests for proposals for executive search services to 34 firms and individuals. The deadline for proposals was October 19.
November 1 – The Board of Education held a special meeting to interview three search firms to aid with the search process.
November 7 – The Board selected GR Recruiting to help with the superintendent search process.
December 10 – The Board conducted a special meeting (work session) to finalize the superintendent search process, including a general timeline.
General Timeline (subject to change)
Week of December 12 – Begin preparing information to promote the open position.
January 5, 2023 – Community stakeholder online survey opens; seeking input on superintendent leadership and management qualities desired by the community.
January 17 – Deadline for stakeholders to take part in the online community survey.
January 24 – The Board of Education will work with GR Recruiting to review stakeholder/community input and complete a superintendent profile.
January 24 through February 22 – Accept applications from candidates and recruit candidates who meet the superintendent profile.
February 22 through March 3 – Screen candidate applications/materials and check references.
March 6 – Finalize questions for first round interviews. Board of Education to discuss candidates to be interviewed.
March 20-21 – Board to interview first round, semifinalist candidates.
March 27-28 – Interview finalist candidates.
On or about March 29 – Selection of superintendent.
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