Superintendent Search
On September 21, 2023, Dixon USD Superintendent Brian Dolan announced his retirement at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
The Dixon School Board approved a contract on Thursday, October 19, for Education Support Services (ESS) to conduct a nationwide superintendent search. ESS will assist the district in seeking and selecting the next superintendent of schools for Dixon USD.
ESS consultants met with the school board on Monday, October 30 to review and approve the timeline and process for conducting the new superintendent search.
ESS will conduct community and stakeholder meetings in early November to seek input from these groups as to what they consider important qualifications and characteristics for a new superintendent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the search process work?
The Board is working with Education Support Services (ESS) Group to conduct a comprehensive search for the District’s next Superintendent. The search advisers will gather input from DUSD’s education partners to assist the Board in screening applications, interviewing qualified candidates, and ultimately selecting the new Superintendent. - When will the new Superintendent be hired?
The new Superintendent will begin their assignment on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of Mr. Dolan. A timeline reflecting the different phases and activities surrounding the search is posted on the District’s website. - How can employees, parents and other education partners weigh-in?
During the Engagement Phase, the search team will solicit input from staff, administrators, parents, students, and members of the community around the desired qualifications and characteristics of the new Superintendent. Input will be gathered via focus group sessions, telephone interviews, a community forum, and online survey. This partner involvement provides the Board a pathway to hiring a superintendent reflective of local values and needs. - When will the collected input be shared with the public?
All input collected during the Engagement Phase of the search will be compiled, synthesized, and incorporated into a Leadership Profile Report which will be presented to the Board at a regular meeting, posted on the website, and made available to the public. Candidates will be recruited, screened, and interviewed based upon the qualities and desires highlighted in the report. - Who will make the final selection of DUSD’s next Superintendent?
The hiring responsibility of a new Superintendent is reserved to local school boards. While the Board will seek, receive, and consider input from its education partners, interviews and the final selection of DUSD’s next Superintendent will be undertaken solely by the Board. - Can we find out who is applying?
The Board has engaged in a confidential search to select its next leader. As such, all application materials, including the names of applicants and any other personally identifiable information, are restricted from disclosure. Confidentiality is the item of highest priority to candidates who are highly successful and well-regarded in their current positions. - How can staff and members of the public follow this process?
Updates regarding the Superintendent search will be posted here on the District’s website. The Board will also provide updates at its regularly scheduled board meetings and in future press releases.