ESS Frequently Asked Questions
For applicants
Can I apply for too many positions?
A board hires only one person to be its superintendent. This means several well-qualified candidates are sometimes passed over, so you should not feel discouraged. Apply for any position for which you feel qualified, but do not apply for positions that you wouldn’t accept if offered.
Does Texas honor other states' certifications?
In general, yes. Texas has rigid certification requirements for educators. Texas does have reciprocity with other states, so an applicant with a certificate from another state can qualify for a temporary certificate until obtaining a permanent one. Inquiries about education certification should be directed to the Texas Education Agency. For other professional qualifications, applicants should contact the corresponding licensing agency in Texas.
I'm a superintendent in a 1A district. Do I have a chance of being considered in a 5A district?
It’s unlikely, but it depends on the applicant pool and what the employing board wants in the new superintendent. The general rule of thumb is that a superintendent can skip one classification—for example, from a 1A to a 3A position—but there are exceptions. If a position looks attractive, you should apply, but keep your expectations realistic.
Is a doctorate necessary?
Rarely do school boards require a doctorate; those that do are usually larger districts.
Is a superintendent's certificate necessary?
Yes. Texas has a very rigid certification requirement. An applicant must have or be eligible to receive a valid Texas superintendent’s certificate. Texas does have reciprocity with other states, so an applicant
Should I contact the employing board or district?
If the board has hired a consultant, then all contact should be with the consultant. If a board is handling its own search, then a call to the board president or designated contact for instructions might be appropriate.
Will my application be confidential?
Yes. Executive Search Services makes every effort to maintain strict confidentiality of applicant names and materials submitted with an application.
For school boards
Can you help us find an interim superintendent?
Yes, we can provide suitable candidates for an interim superintendent position, and we offer this as a free service. Email executive.search@tasb.org for more information.
Do you have a stable of candidates?
No. We are in the business to help school districts find executives, not to help executives find jobs. We are committed to helping the employing board find the very best applicants possible.
How are the community and staff involved in the search?
It is important that the staff and community be involved in developing the leadership profile. This gives them a voice in the process.
The review of the applications and the interview process is strictly a board function in which the consultant assists and guides.
How long will a search take?
Ideally, a search takes up to four months from the day it opens until the new chief executive is hired. This gives ample time to develop a profile, advertise the position, and conduct interviews.
Sometimes a board feels it must shorten the process, and ESS will work with the board to establish a suitable timeline.
Is a site visit to the top candidate's home district necessary?
Yes, we believe so. The visit allows the board to confirm its impressions of the top applicant.
Is continuing education credit available?
Yes. Up to three hours of continuing education credit is awarded to trustees attending the session on preparing for interviews.
What can we expect regarding Background Checks?
We utilize every avenue available to gather information needed to make important decisions. We call references and send a reference questionnaires once applicants are chosen for the second and final round of interviews. ESS also has a third-party organization that conducts extensive background checks including, state, national, and social media/online checks available by request for an additional charge.
What if we don't find the right person?
As your membership organization, we are committed to serving school boards, and we understand the importance of finding the right superintendent for the district. ESS will continue the search until the board finds a candidate that fits the bill.
What makes TASB ESS different from other search firms?
We have a full team of experienced staff that work with the board throughout the entire process. Our consultants are former superintendents with over 30 years of experience in public education. Also, we have field representatives in each district that are recruiting applicants as well. As TASB, we are your organization.
What is the price of a superintendent search?
The price varies depending on the size of the district. ESS is a good value. There are no hidden fees. We have a one-time all-inclusive fee. Because we are your organization, the fee goes back to Texas public schools.
Do you do a national search?
Yes, we advertise the positions nationally and are part of national organizations.
What is your success record?
Since 1988, ESS consultants have conducted more than 700 searches for districts ranging from fewer than 100 to more than 194,000 students. And our placements are successful: More than 90 percent of the superintendents ESS placed in the past five years are still in their districts.
In many of these districts, we have conducted more than one search, which is a compliment to our record. Our service allows each trustee of an employing board to evaluate the search process once it is completed to provide us with constructive feedback so we can continue to learn, grow, and improve our processes. We have received very positive reviews over the years and have maintained great relationships with many of the districts we’ve had the pleasure of working with.