Supe search to use consultant

The search for the next Central Kitsap schools superintendent has begun with the search for a consultant.

The CK school board has scheduled a special Jan. 5 meeting to interview potential firms. So far the district has contacted a handful of search firms in Washington to check their availability and interest in guiding the district.

“The earlier we get a start on this the better,” said board member Carl Johnson at the board’s regular meeting Dec. 10.

The board also officially accepted the resignation of superintendent Cathy Davidson who has led the district since 1999. She announced her decision early last week and will step down in June 2004.

Johnson, who has served on the CKSD board for the past eight years, said the district has hired “very expensive” consultants and gone with the more economical search service offered by the Washington State School Directors Association in past searches.

“We were very impressed with WSSDA consulting services,” Johnson recalled.

The association no longer offers the service, but did provide each of the members with guidelines on how to conduct a search.

“I envision an open process,” including members of the community and school staff, said board president Chris Stokke.

The Central Kitsap School District is the largest in Kitsap County and serves 13,000 students, in 23 schools with a staff of about 1,600.

Before taking on the title of superintendent, Davidson served as the director of secondary education, career/technical programs, and the co-curricular program. She has 33 years experience in public education.

The special meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5 at the Jenne Wright Administration building on Silverdale Way.

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