Public deserves open school leader searches

Establishing and maintaining vibrant communities requires large doses of sunshine. This is especially true for institutions, such as public schools, that occupy a central role in our communities and absorb a lion's share of our collective resources.

That's why we were concerned to read an investigation by Gazette reporter Erin Jordan which found that nearly half the 26 documented K-12 superintendent searches in Iowa during 2015 were conducted completely behind closed doors.

As Randy Evans, executive director for the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, told The Gazette, public school superintendents occupy a position of trust in our communities, and with closed-door searches 'the public is sort of cut out of that process.”

Closed-door searches conducted by professional search firms make it difficult for the public to judge whether public input and districts' best interests are being served.

It is common for districts to conduct public surveys, convene focus groups or otherwise solicit community input about what specific qualities are most needed by an incoming school superintendent. But closed-door searches don't offer any assurance that these considerations are being taken into account. In fact, Jordan's investigation found the same pool of candidates appeared as finalists in many Iowa searches, making us wonder how much weight was given to local input into candidates' desirable qualities and skills.

Secrecy, according to those who advocate for closed-door hirings of public employees, is required if a district expects to attract high-caliber candidates, but we believe such concerns are overblown.

More broadly, such thinking begs the question of whose interests are more important - potential superintendents or the parents, teachers, students and taxpayers of the district. It casts doubt on a school board and administration's commitment to transparency.

In many cases, it may be said that these closed-door superintendent searches have resulted in good hires of superintendents that are a great fit and benefit to the community and its schools. But when it comes to open government, the ends don't justify the means.

Taxpayers and stakeholders deserve the chance to participate in the hiring process.

' Gazette editorials reflect the consensus opinion of The Gazette Editorial Board. Share your comments and ideas with us: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com