Update on new superintendent search

The Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education would like to update the community on the search for a new superintendent of schools. 

After Superintendent Jeffrey Pirozzolo announced his intention to retire on Jan. 4, 2025, the board enacted a thorough search process that involved a Superintendent Search Advisory Committee.

The board would like to recognize the Superintendent Search Advisory Committee for their efforts. The committee consists of seven community members, Rob Barnes, Mickie Cuevas-Post, Jill Fandrich, Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson, Kathy Rhodes, Brian Schenck, and Bill Tenity. 

Auburn School Board President Ian Phillips said, “We're incredibly thankful to Superintendent Pirozzolo for his years of service to our district and community. The Auburn School Board is committed to use all the wisdom, passion, creativity and experience that exists in our community to find our next district leader. As a result, with the help of our Advisory Committee, we have designed a process that is designed to bring in all stakeholders with the goal of finding the right leader for our students, parents, staff and community as a whole.”  

In mid-January, the board posted an online survey seeking the community’s thoughts on what characteristics they would like to see in a new superintendent. More than 300 responses were received when the survey ended Jan. 28.

The results showed the community’s ideal candidate has vision, instructional leadership, collaborative skills, integrity, excellent communication skills and financial and operational acumen.

The board examined data from the survey and finalized the process to look for a new superintendent, confirming the role of five stakeholder groups – faculty, staff, administration, parents and the community to interview candidates. Members of the stakeholder groups will be selected in late April or early May. Additional information regarding serving on a stakeholder group will be forthcoming. 

The position was officially posted on Feb. 16 with a closing date of March 15. During that time period of accepting applications, candidate summaries were prepared for the board with reference checks.

In late March, the Board of Education reviewed candidate files and selected applicants that will proceed to the first round of confidential interviews with the board later this month. Semi-finalist candidates will be selected and have the opportunity to interview with stakeholder committees in May. From there, the board expects to select two finalists that will spend a “Day in the District” in early June. Shortly following this final stage, a candidate will be selected, offered the position, and appointed by the board.