The search for a new principal for Homewood-Flossmoor High School will begin within the month.
District 233 board member Gerald Pauling, chairman of the Personnel Committee, said the school board will be working with a search firm that specializes in education leadership in its efforts to find the next principal. The firm will help the board design the process of selection, he explained.
The board is searching for a new principal after releasing Ryan Pitcock from his H-F principal position in June. This school year, school administrators are sharing the principal’s duties.
Pauling said several search firms have been contacted and the committee will select one after reviewing their services and fees.
Pauling addressed the search process at the District 233 board meeting on Sept. 20. He said the board will be surveying the community and establishing up to nine focus groups, “so they can provide input about the qualities, strengths and characteristics that the ideal candidate should possess.”
The Personnel Committee wants to include the community so residents and school personnel have an opportunity “to have direct interaction with the search firm,” Pauling said.
The committee will work with the search firm to develop a slate of potential candidates who will be invited for interviews with parents, students, faculty and community members.
Feedback from the interview sessions will be collected and the board will select the finalist.
Pauling said the board hopes to offer a contract to the future principal in spring 2017 and have the person in place for the start of the 2017-18 school year in August.