Trustees hire search firm for new superintendent

The Churchill County School Board has taken the next step in initiating a search for a new superintendent after meeting with a consultant at their Jan. 19 special meeting.

Dr. Summer Stephens submitted her resignation earlier this month effective June 30. She has been the Churchill County School District superintendent since 2018.

At their previous meeting to schedule an interview with Greg McKenzie of NextUp Leadership, trustees said they want to examine the following aspect of the search: identify the desired qualifications and characteristics for a superintendent, the process of involving various stakeholders, the recruitment process and all other matters involved in hiring a superintendent.

Trustees listened to a presentation from McKenzie. His firm initiated the search for a superintendent in 2018 when Stephens was selected. He told trustees he would put together a search tailored to the school board’s needs.

Trustees approved a contract for $15,000, which will include expenses.

Since Stephens resigned midway through the school year, he said that helps the timetable for finding a new leader for Churchill County schools. He said the trustees could be offering a contact to a new superintendent in late April or early May.

Trustees will begin to focus on the qualities they want from the next superintendent. Board President Tricia Strasdin will lead a panel with Vice President Matt Hyde and Acting President Kathryn Whitaker. The three trustees were also involved with the 2018 search.

The trustees know they will have a Herculean task ahead of them. In September, Nevada Association of School Superintendents named Stephens as the state’s 2023 superintendent of the year. She will compete for the National Superintendent of the Year during the American Association of School Administrators National Conference on Education in February.