Columbia Public Schools reveals community survey for superintendent search

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools is asking for the community’s input in its search for a new superintendent.

CPS released an online survey on Wednesday that gives an initial timeline of events, along with several questions for residents to answer.

The school district is looking for a new superintendent after the sudden departure of Brian Yearwood. The district will pay its outgoing school leader $667,268.90 on Jan. 1, in addition to unused paid leave and his health insurance through COBRA.  

CPS has hired the Missouri School Boards’ Association to help with the search, the survey says.

The survey asks several questions, including:

• What are the strengths or points of pride for the Columbia Public School District?
• What are the challenges facing the Columbia Public School District?
• What are your expectations for the next Superintendent of the Columbia Public School District?
• What is your top priority for the district in regard to their Continuous School Improvement Plan goals?
• What three skills are most important skills and qualifications for leading the district and supporting the community? What personality traits?

The survey will be open through Dec. 29 and the application period for candidates will end on Jan. 5, the survey says. The Columbia Board of Education will review the candidate pool the week of Jan. 13 and screening interviews with semifinalists will occur the week of Jan. 27, the survey says.

Interviews with finalists will occur the week of Feb. 10, the survey says.