Federal Way school district narrows superintendent search to 4 candidates

Published 9:20 am Wednesday, March 11, 2015

The search for the district’s next permanent superintendent is down to four candidates. On a March 7 meeting in executive session, the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Directors reviewed 11 applications for the position, and reduced the pool to four semifinalists based on criteria developed during the last three months.

Using input from telephone and online surveys, public meetings and advisory committee input, the board and search firm worked together to establish screening characteristics, interview questions and the selection process. The characteristics and qualities identified include instructional leadership, administrative capacities and communication skills, as well as specific issues relating to the strengths and challenges of the district.

The search firm, Ray and Associates, connected with 266 individuals from 41 states regarding the vacancy. Of these, 41 completed applications were received by Feb. 25, the deadline.

Ray and Associates recommended 11 applicants from the pool of 41, based on the board’s criteria. Those 11 applicants included six individuals from Washington state, and others from Michigan, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas and Wisconsin. The search firm

also conducted a thorough investigation of the top 11 applicants —- contacting references, state officials, other school administrators, and individuals who know the applicant.

The four semifinalists have been invited to interview with the board on March 17, also in executive session. Following that interview, the board will again reduce the pool to either two or three finalists. The finalists will return to the district to interview on March 25 and 26, with two community forums scheduled for the public.

For more information on the search process, and updated information on the community forum schedule, visit the superintendent search page.