CPS to pay MSBA $20,000 for superintendent search; 5-of-17 prospects have completed applications

Editor's note: A name has been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools is paying the Missouri School Board Association $20,000 to help find a permanent superintendent.

CPS paid its former superintendent Brian Yearwood more than $667,000 in a contract buyout after announcing Yearwood would step down immediately in November, ending his contract early.

Board members and the MSBA provided an update on the search for a new superintendent during Monday night's meeting.

There are currently 17 applicants for the position, according to MSBA senior director for member services Linda Quinley. She said five applications have been completed and the other 12 are in the process of being completed. Quinleysaid they're hoping for more than 20 applicants.

CPS is paying MSBA through funds from the Board of Education operating budget, according to the board's agenda.

Quinley told ABC 17 News the district chose to go with a closed search--which keeps the names of the applicants private-- because it will typically receive better and more qualified applicants when doing so.

During Monday's meeting, Quinleysaid the MSBA is conducting a national search by posting on the School Superintendent's Association, and utilizing recently retired superintendents to help share information.

During Monday night's meeting School Board member April Ferrao said the district has received applications from both people who live in Missouri and out of state.

Former superintendent Chris Belcher has agreed to be interim superintendent until the end of the school year. The board unanimously approved a contract for Belcher Monday night, agreeing to pay him $70,000 through June 2025.

CPS also launched a survey to help aid in the search. The district hopes to begin conducting formal interviews the week of Feb. 10, according to the survey.

Quinley said the district has already received 800 responses as of Monday night.

The MSBA hopes to come up with data that can be broken down into what qualities parents and school administrators want to see in the next superintendent.

Valerie Shaw attended Monday night's meeting and said while she doesn't have a student in the district, she likes to stay involved in the community. Shaw told ABC 17 News she found Yearwood's departure to be sudden and said she'd like to see some of the qualities he possessed in the next superintendent.

"You know, someone who was dedicated to all of the children," Shaw said. "To improving our test scores, to preparing them to be the best citizens possible and with as much knowledge as possible.”

In a statement sent to ABC 17 News via email, Julie Swope-- who teaches at West Middle School -- said she has faith in the district to find the best candidate in their search.

"I appreciate the survey process, the opportunity to provide my feedback, and the communication and transparency through this process. I was also pleased to see the timeline for the process, and how quickly our school board and cabinet are taking action. As a teacher, this gives me hope for the future of Columbia Public Schools," the statement reads.

The district will provide three public forums regarding the search at all three comprehensive high schools. A tentative date has been set for Jan. 8, but still needs to be finalized.