Superintendent application brochure.
Press Release – September 2025
Cross County Schools Begins Superintendent Search Process with McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
The Cross County Schools Board of Education has selected McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development, to assist in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview. At an open board meeting on Wednesday, September 17, the Cross County Board of Education discussed the skills and characteristics they are seeking in the next superintendent. That discussion led to the list below:
A highly motivated and transparent servant leader with strong character and integrity.
A strong instructional leader who helps create and maintain a unifying culture, supports hiring and retaining high-quality staff, and advocates for effective education for all.
An organized leader with strong school budget and finance skills who can be a strategic negotiator through the use of comparability studies.
A community-minded leader who is actively involved, appreciates, and takes pride in being part of our rural communities.
A strong, approachable communicator who leads by example, is a good listener, and possesses natural people skills to connect well with students, staff, and community members of all ages.
Feedback from all patrons is encouraged throughout this important process. Search consultants will conduct an open Community Input Forum for all patrons on October 22 at 5:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. Everyone is welcome.
For those unable to attend, a SurveyMonkey link will be available on the school website from October 22–30. The survey will allow participants to provide anonymous input on the skills and traits the next superintendent should possess, as well as highlight the strengths of the Cross County community and school district. We want your voice to be heard throughout this important process. Student and staff groups will also have the opportunity to provide in-person input on October 22 during the school day, in addition to participating in the survey.
Questions that will be asked at the Community Input Forum and through the SurveyMonkey survey include:
What are the good things about the communities that make up Cross County?
What are the good things about Cross County Schools?
What skills, characteristics, and traits are you looking for in the next superintendent?
What topics should the new superintendent be aware of to ensure a great start?
Key dates for the superintendent search include:
Application deadline: December 1
Finalists selected and announced: December 10
Interviews conducted: December 15
New hire announced: December 19
New hire begins work: On or about July 1