School superintendent search is underway

School District
Juneau School District building

The search for the Juneau School District’s new superintendent has begun. The job opening was posted nationally last week and candidates have until May 21 to apply.

The district contracted Iowa-based search firm Ray and Associates, Inc. for $16,000.

Steve Rasmussen, who’s leading the search, collected input from the community last month and says community members want someone with a collaborative leadership style who puts students first.

“Someone that can built trust in the community. Someone that’s visible. Someone that can work with staff, can work with parents, can be and work with legislators, and work with civic leaders,” Rasmussen says.

Rasmussen expects between 30 and 50 applicants for the job.

The advertised salary is $162,000. The current superintendent’s salary is $155,000 a year. Rasmussen and the school board set the amount after comparing what other superintendents make in Alaska.

He says that figure is negotiable.

“It’s the amount that will attract people to take a look at it. We want quality applicants and it’s also compared with those of the lower 48 states, Rasmussen says.

Ray and Associates will present up to 12 candidates to the school board June 2. The board will pick semi-finalists and conduct in-person interviews June 7. Rasmussen anticipates a community meet and greet with the superintendent finalists June 8.

The cost of bringing candidates to Juneau for interviews is outside the search contract.

Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich is leaving the district at the end of June. He cited personal and private reasons when announcing his resignation in March. Gelbrich joined the Juneau school district in 2009.

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