Dundee board approves search consultant

DUNDEE—The Dundee school board approved the appointment of District Superintendent of Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Scott Bischoping as a search consultant during their regular meeting Wednesday, Dec. 11. Bischoping  was selected to aid the school board in the search and process of finding a new Dundee superintendent after current Superintendent Kathy Ring’s retirement becomes effective Jan. 3, 2014. Laurie Hopkins-Halbert will serve as the interim superintendent until a new one is selected.
During the meeting, Bischoping detailed the timeline to the board, saying he expects appointing a candidate by the April 10, 2014 school board meeting. According to the resolution appointing him, Bischoping will act as search consultant “at no compensation and agrees to reimburse Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES for incidental costs incurred during the search process.” Bischoping said while he is there to help the board with the selection process, he will not be making the final decision for the board.
“I’m just here to facilitate it,” Bischoping said. “I could provide advice one way or another, but I want this to be something you are comfortable with.”
Bischoping said it is ultimately the school board’s decision as to who will be the final candidate selected. He said his role is to provide the board with as much information as possible so the board can “make the best decision for the district.”
Bischoping said he will aid the board in advertising the position where the district would get the best qualified candidates for the job. He said applications will close Feb. 3, 2014. Bischoping said three candidates have already been in contact with him, and two of them are sitting superintendents.
Bischoping said he will also set up screening interviews with the candidates and will meet with the board to go over the information and narrow it down to six semifinalists. He said the candidates will then meet with the board and constituent groups until it is narrowed down to three selections. Bischoping said a few days will be set aside for each remaining candidate to have a day within the district and meet with the board. He said the board should be able to make an offer to their candidate of choice by April 3, 2014.