CISD hires firm to assist in superintendent search

Chad Blackshear
The Commerce Journal

COMMERCE July 24, 2008 04:03 pm

— The Commerce ISD approved a technology purchase and hired a firm to assist in their search for a new superintendent when they met Monday night.
The Board approved to hire Arrow Educational Services, based in Henderson, to assist in their search to replace former Superintendent Mike Roberts, who resigned July14.
“How many applicants can we expect?” asked Trustee Debbie Aikin. Dr. Russell Marshall of Arrow Educational Services explained that a district the size of Commerce could expect approximately 30-35 applicants. He further explained that a 3A school such as Commerce would likely get applications from Superintendents from smaller schools, as well as Deputy Superintendents from larger schools.
“How long do you foresee this process taking?” Trustee Donna Tavener asked. Marshall explained that in a best case scenario, there would be a new superintendent working for the district by the end of the fall semester.
The board also approved the technology purchase of three Dell file servers, totaling $12,726. The primary function of a file server is to provide a central location for the shared storage of computer files. According to Technology Director Al Shipp, the servers would be paid for through a Rural Technology Pilot (R-TECH) grant.
The purpose of R-TECH is to finance technology-based supplemental instruction to students at the 6th through 12th grade levels. To be eligible for the grant, a school district must have an enrollment of fewer than 5,000 students, and cannot be located in a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The Board is set to meet again on August 18 at 7 p.m. in the Commerce Middle School Library, located at 606 Culver Street.