A Proposal For the Selection of a State Superintendent of Schools

Transcription

1 A Proposal For the Selection of a State Superintendent of Presented To: Submitted By: CORPORATE OFFICE ST AVENUE SE, SUITE 407 CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA PHONE: FAX: glr@rayassoc.com Website: MICHIGAN OFFICE QUINN AND ASSOCIATES P.O. BOX 157 OLD MISSION, MI PHONE: Finding Leaders for America s

2 Executive Plaza Building 4403 First Avenue SE, Ste 407 Cedar Rapids, IA Phone: Fax: Website: Leaders in Executive Searches October 13, 2014 Michigan State Board of Education ATTN: Mr. John C. Austin, Board President 608 W. Allegan Street P.O. Box Lansing, MI Dear Mr. Austin and members of the State Board of Education: Ray and Associates, Inc. is fully capable of meeting all the requirements of the RFP issued October 7 th, We clearly understand the search process that is necessary for the state department of education to follow to be successful. In fact, we very typically receive more fully completed applications for the clients we represent than any other search firm in the country. As I m sure you are aware, the selection of state superintendent will be one of the most important tasks your State Board of Education will perform. The board s success in the search process will affect your State Department of Education s programs for years to come. It is extremely important to find the right fit for the department. Ray and Associates has recently conducted the state superintendent of public instruction search for the Ohio Department of Education, state superintendent search for the West Virginia Department of Education, Mississippi Department of Education and Wyoming Department of Education, the executive director search for the Oregon School Boards Association and previously assisted the Florida Department of Education and Rhode Island Department of Education with their commissioner of education searches. Our firm has also conducted educational leadership searches for the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, Arizona School Boards Association, Broward County, Florida; Santa Clara County Office of Education, California and Milwaukee Public, Wisconsin to name a few. Ray and Associates, Inc. is a national search firm that is uniquely equipped to assist you in the selection of a state superintendent who meets your particular needs and qualifications. We will not only advertise, but also actively recruit potential candidates that will meet the criteria established by your board, including women and minorities. Most other consultants do not seek out candidates for a position as we do for our clients. With our extensive national associate base, Ray and Associates, Inc. will be able to recruit quality candidates from around the country as well as within the state. We have often found excellent in-state candidates, who would not otherwise have applied for the position due to a possible conflict of interest with a state or local firm. Our professional, objective procedures allow us to attract, process, and screen the most successful candidates for a State Superintendent position. You will also find our system is flexible, which allows us to customize the search to meet the desires of the board. Our partnership with Quinn and Associates provides a state presence being Michigan-based. Dr. Tim Quinn has been recognized nationally as a pioneer in superintendent preparation, coaching and support. In 1998, 1

3 he founded the Michigan Leadership Institute and the SUPES Academy, which convened for the first time in Today, more than half of Michigan s school superintendents have received leadership preparation through the SUPES Academy. In 2002, he was contracted by The Broad Foundation of Los Angeles, California, to serve as the founding Managing Director of The Broad Center for Superintendents and the Broad Superintendents Academy. This Academy focused on preparing leaders across America for the superintendency of our nation s largest and most challenging urban districts. Ray and Associates, Inc. firm has exhibited at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) for over thirty-eight years. This year the firm will exhibit and present at numerous state school board associations. Exhibiting and presenting at these state and national organizations allows the firm to meet and recruit outstanding administrators for our clients. It is our goal to make the selection process professional, efficient, and successful to assure your complete satisfaction with our services. It is quite common for a board to be concerned about the quality of candidates who might be available in today s chief executive officer market. Outstanding administrators will need to be recruited regardless of the time of year or the position needs to be filled because many of these school leaders already have good jobs. We feel that our firm can be very successful in attracting candidates that will meet or exceed your expectations. With a consulting firm of over one hundred sixty (160) associates located nationwide, Ray and Associates, Inc. and Quinn and Associates will be able to develop the most comprehensive pool of candidates of any executive search firm in the country. We will strive to provide the Michigan State Board of Education with the best match possible based on what we learn in our extensive interaction with the board and key players in the search. It is our desire to activate our network in your behalf to locate individuals that can effectively assume the state superintendent position. We welcome the opportunity to make a presentation of our services at your convenience. If you have any further questions or comments regarding the enclosed information, please do not hesitate to contact our Cedar Rapids office at Sincerely, Gary L. Ray President 2

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXHIBIT A: STATEMENT OF WORK Work and Deliverables... 1 Proposal Response Requirements... 2 Pricing... 2 EXHIBIT B: GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS Company Contact Information... 3 Business Owned by Qualified Disabled Veteran Experience with the State of Michigan Gross Annual Sales Summary Experience Strategic Relationships Principal Place of Business Standard Contract Page 3

5 EXHIBIT A STATEMENT OF WORK B. WORK AND DELIVERABLES We understand and are prepared to meet the criteria and activities listed a-h on the RFP issued on October 7 th, 2014 by the State of Michigan. 4

6 C. PROPOSAL RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS The search and recruitment strategy that will be used to meet the requirements identified in Section B, Work and Deliverables. The strategy must identify the project management process; project breakdown identifying project and sub-project tasks, and resources required; expected frequency and mechanism for updates/progress reviews; process for addressing issues and changes; and individuals responsible for receiving and reacting to requested information. Vendors Response: SEARCH PROCESS FOR THE MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION THE CONSULTANT WILL: STAGE 1 - BOARD INPUT AND PREPARATION 1. Customize the search process to meet the needs and expectations of the Michigan State Board of Education. 2. Conduct individual state board member interviews to assess the board s priorities, goals and objectives to aid in the development of the criteria and qualifications for the state superintendent position. 3. Work with the state board to establish a timeline that lists each step in the search process. 4. Discuss with the board the requirements and salary range for the state superintendent position. 5. Work with the Michigan State Board of Education staff and those selected by the board in the development of an accurate informational flyer and online application form. If desired, our office staff has the experience and capability to create the district s promotional flyer. The printing of the flyer will be the responsibility of the department of education. 6. Provide sample letters to be used by the Michigan State Board of Education in its correspondence regarding the vacancy. STAGE 2 - PROFILE DEVELOPMENT AND PROCESS 7. If desired, provide a proven consensus building mechanism for obtaining input from various stakeholders and the board. In addition, our firm has the resources to offer an online survey option. We will provide a link to the survey to post on the department s website. The consultants will receive and organize all input data and then report the results to the board. 8. Provide the board with cost saving options to minimize expenses by utilizing Skype, conference calls or gotomeetings to reduce paper copies, travel expenses and shipping costs. 9. Develop all required forms for the application and screening process. STAGE 3 - RECRUITING AND SCREENING 10. Conduct all aspects of the recruitment process on a statewide, regional and national basis as follows: Notify all associates to actively recruit potential candidates. Contact individuals in our firm s database whose interests match the department s criteria. Actively recruit applications from qualified individuals. Solicit nominations from knowledgeable people in the profession. 5

7 Contact other professional consultants in private and public sectors. Discuss with all candidates the district s characteristics and the state board of education s profile and criteria for the new state superintendent position. Advertise nationally in the following as selected by the board: AASA Website, Education Week Newspaper and Website, Ray and Associates Website, the Michigan School Administrators and Michigan School Boards Publications, Women in Higher Education, NABSE, ALAS, The School Administrator Publication, Executives Only Website and other publications selected by the board. 11. Develop and manage the candidate screening process. All applicants are screened from the perspective of a viable match with the established criteria to determine their capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. The search team thoroughly reviews each file and seeks alignment of qualifications with state Board expectations. Those who emerge successfully from this screening are deemed viable candidates. 12. Check references provided and conduct additional background investigation of leading candidates. Our firm interviews each viable candidate that meets board criteria and verifies their qualifications, experience and eligibility of certification. Our background research team then conducts extensive investigations on those individuals. The investigations go well beyond listed references and their current position to include contacts with state associations and various national leadership organizations. A complete check of a candidate s work history is also completed utilizing online resources such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, Facebook, Twitter and other social media sources as well as checking for blogs through candidate s local newspaper. STAGE 4 - CANDIDATE PRESENTATION 13. Provide the state board with an opportunity to observe each semi-finalist candidate interviewed with questions specifically designed to the Michigan State Board of Education superintendent search through video technology. This will allow board members to get a better perspective of each candidate in order to determine which candidates to interview. Ray and Associates is the only search firm that provides this video technology screening of candidates. By offering this opportunity, will save the board members on expenses and their time. 14. Provide an impartial and objective consensus building matrix instrument developed by Ray and Associates to assist the board in determining the finalists for an interview. We have been extremely effective working with boards who are divided on issues and candidates. 15. Assist the board in establishing the interview format and in developing interview questions. 16. Coordinate any stakeholder involvement in the interview process, if desired by the board. 17. Help arrange the details of interviews for leading candidates. 18. Coordinate with the Michigan State Board of Education designated liason the procedure for reimbursement of candidates expenses. STAGE 5 - SELECTION OF FINALIST AND FUTURE PLANNING 19. If desired, assist district legal staff in negotiating the contract with the successful candidate at no additional cost. 20. After the appointment, dispose of the files and send appropriate communications to the candidates not interviewed by the board. 21. Assist in preparing a press release, upon request, announcing the appointment of the new state superintendent. The state superintendent search services and process provided above can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the Michigan State Board of Education. CANDIDATE IDENTIFICATION - RECRUITMENT 6

8 Ray and Associates, Inc. and Quinn and Associates maintains a working relationship with key individuals at the college and university level along with other national public and private organizations for the purpose of recruiting outstanding candidates. However, we are not directly connected with any college, university or any other organization. This allows us to be extremely objective in the search process. We stay abreast of the performance of outstanding school administrators throughout the country, which has contributed to our high success rate. Ray and Associates, Inc. maintains a very large pre-screened database of top candidates who are interested in new and challenging positions. The strengths and administrative skills of these potential candidates have been analyzed by the firm. However, it is important for our clients to know we are not a placement service that owes any favors to prospective candidates. Our professional objective is to aggressively recruit and advertise for the best candidate who meets the qualifications and characteristics of a superintendent as set forth by the board. Our recruitment process is very comprehensive, highlighted by the following steps: Inform the firm s over 160 associates of the position and seek recommendations Utilize Quinn and Associates Michigan network and national reputation to recruit outstanding candidates Advertise in local, regional and national venues known for high readership by school leaders Consult our extensive database for precise matches between department and candidate profiles Aggressively recruit successful school leaders who are not currently seeking a new position to invite them to consider the Michigan State Board of Education position Contact other organizations at state, regional and national levels regarding the position Proactively seek out potential candidates at state and national conventions Candidate Care: Easy Online Application Process Seek Recommendati ons from Over 160 Associates Nationwide Contact State, Regional and National Organizations Aggressively Recruit Candidates Who Are Not Currently Seeking a New Position Advertise in Local, Regional and National Venues Review Our Database for Qualified Candidates Ray and Associates, Inc. is a very diverse firm; over 40% of our associates are women and/or minorities. Our firm has placed more women and minorities in the country in the last ten years than any other firm. Ray and Associates has developed the most comprehensive pool of candidates of any executive search firm in the country. Our firm has a national reputation for the recruitment of outstanding candidates that match the profile expectations of our clients. We have also been extremely successful in recruiting women, minorities and nontraditional candidates. It is only a matter of reality that outstanding administrators already have good jobs and will need to be recruited. However, even more important, is the investigative process and background checks we perform on all viable candidates to ensure you are looking at quality school leaders in all aspects. It will be our shared goal with the state board to make the selection process inclusive, professional, efficient and successful so we can state without reservation you will be quite pleased with our services. Ray and Associates, Inc. complies with all equal opportunity laws in the firm s search for the best and brightest candidates for our placement services and within our organization. THE SEARCH PROCESS COLLABORATIVE MODEL 7

9 The state board s role is the most important one in the search process. Although we assist you in the process by actively recruiting, identifying, and recommending qualified candidates, you alone will determine which candidate you will hire. Once recruited, all applicants are screened from the perspective of a viable match with established criteria to determine their capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. The search team thoroughly reviews each file and seeks alignment of qualifications with district expectations. Those who emerge successfully from this screening are termed viable candidates, and our background research team then conducts extensive investigations on those individuals. Our firm will interview each viable candidate that meets the criteria and verifies their qualifications, experience and eligibility of certification. The investigations go well beyond listed references and their current position to include contacts with state associations and national leadership organizations such as American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE). Our firm also checks current and past relationships with administrators and verifies candidate s education and work history utilizing multiple internet sites and social media feeds. A complete check of a candidate s work history is completed utilizing online resources such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other social media sources as well as checking for blogs through candidate s local newspaper. We not only vet candidates extensively in their professional career, but it is also important for us to be familiar with their personal life as that can have an impact in their profession. Our search process is set up in a manner that provides the state board with a collaborative monitoring capability which features clearly defined checkpoints: Timeline Input Qualifications Flyers Progress Reports Interview Process Candidates On-Site Visits Hiring Contract Press Release Establish a timeline for the process Determine the input process Set the state superintendent qualifications Review and approve informational flyers and application forms Receive regular progress reports from the consultant Approve format and questions for the interview process Select candidates for final interview Optional on-site visits of leading candidates Hire the candidate Determine and approve the contract Approve the press release The timeline and milestones identifying the work program that would be used to meet the time requirements identified in this Statement of Work. Vendors Response: 8

10 Stage 5 Selection of Finalist & Future Planning Stage 4 Candidate Presentation Stage 3 Recruiting & Screening Stage 2 Profile Development & Process Stage 1 Board Input & Preparation Michigan State Board of Education STATE SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SUGGESTED TIMELINE Items highlighted in yellow indicate an in-person meeting with the consultant(s) DATE *All applications will be reviewed. Materials received after the closing date may be given full consideration depending upon the number of applications received and other factors. (Actual dates to be determined in the first meeting with the Michigan State Board of Education). 10/2014 Consultant planning meeting with the board and individual board member interviews. (Time: TBD) (option to conduct via Skype or gotomeetings.com) 10/2014 Begin preparing information for the promotional flyer and online application form with the state liaison representative(s). 10/2014 Notify all associates and other professional contacts of vacancy. 11/2014 If desired contact key stakeholders for input meetings on. 11/2014 If desired, online survey link, for input on developing the profile, available on state website from to. 12/2014 If desired meet with key stakeholders. 12/2014 If desired, 8 a.m. deadline for survey/input from stakeholders and board members, including online survey. 12/2014 Promotional flyer draft due. 12/2014 Board to finalize superintendent profile for the promotional flyer and online application form. (Time: TBD) (option to conduct via Skype or gotomeetings.com) 12/2014 Print promotional flyer. Forward to consultant. 12/2014 promotional flyer and online application instructions to interested candidates. 02/2015 Deadline for all application materials. (*See note below.) 03/2014 Consultant develops and finalizes interview questions and procedures with the board. Candidates are presented to the board and consultant assists the board in selecting candidates for interviews. (Time: TBD) 03/2014 Interview candidates (1 st round). 03/2014 Meeting with consultant following the last interview. (Time: TBD) 03/2014 Interview finalist candidates (2 nd round). 03/2014 Final meeting with consultant following the last interview. (Time: TBD) (option to conduct via Skype or gotomeetings.com) TBD Consultant will discuss contract terms with the finalist. 04/2015 Offer the contract. 04/2015 Press release of new state superintendent. 9

11 The Contractor s understanding of the educational context, governance, structure, landscape, policy, political context and environment of Michigan or other similar states Vendors Response: Ray and Associates, Inc. has conducted numerous successful state searches in the state of Michigan and is very familiar with the educational context, governance, structure, landscape, policy, political context and environment of Michigan and other similar states. Our partnership with Quinn and Associates and Dr. Timothy G. Quinn gives tremendous opportunities to work with and provide a local presence being Michigan-based as well as our national exposure. Dr. Tim Quinn has been recognized nationally as a pioneer in superintendent preparation, coaching and support. In 1998, he founded the Michigan Leadership Institute and the SUPES Academy, which convened for the first time in Today, more than half of Michigan s school superintendents have received leadership preparation through the SUPES Academy. In 2002, he was contracted by The Broad Foundation of Los Angeles, California, to serve as the founding Managing Director of The Broad Center for Superintendents and the Broad Superintendents Academy. This Academy focused on preparing leaders across America for the superintendency of our nation s largest and most challenging urban districts. Quinn holds a PhD from the University of Michigan, and has been recognized with honorary doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State Universities for his leadership in the field of education. Tim has extensive knowledge of the education community in Michigan having conducted over 150 superintendent searches in the past 15 years. He understands both the Michigan political and educational environment at the K-12, community college and university levels. 10

12 The Contractor s knowledge of Michigan and national education leadership networks to engage in soliciting candidates Vendors Response: Ray and Associates, Inc. has nearly 40 years experience conducting numerous state commissioner searches as well as working with high profile urban and suburban districts across the country. Along with Quinn and Associates we have extensive experience within the state of Michigan, please see pages Quinn and Associates founded the Michigan Leadership Institute and the SUPES Academy. Today, more than half of Michigan s school superintendents have received leadership preparation through the SUPES academy. Tim Quinn was contracted to serve as the founding Managing Director of the Broad Center for Superintendents and the Broad Superintendent Academy. This academy focused on preparing leaders for superintendency s of our nation s largest and most challenging urban districts. The names and title of personnel who will be assigned to the project, including the name of each individual, work location (time zone), and detailed description of their roles and responsibilities under the project. 11

13 Vendors Response: KEY ASSOCIATES FOR THE PROJECT The following principal/project coordinators will be actively involved in working with the school district. The associates listed will be assisting in recruitment, screening, and background checks. The firm chooses various associates across the country to be sure that every region will be covered to recruit the best candidates for the Michigan State Board of Education. In addition, we have professional contacts throughout the Northern Midwest region and nationally. The following is only a partial list of associates who will be involved in the recruitment and screening of candidates. The firm will actually involve many more associates for the project. Mr. Gary L. Ray, President Principal/Project Coordinator-Cedar Rapids, IA Gary is president of Ray and Associates, Inc. He supervises and oversees all searches conducted by the firm and will directly interact with the Michigan State Board of Education and any committee that may be established on all details of this search. Mr. Ray is a former school administrator with an advanced degree who has worked with hundreds of school boards over the past thirty-eight years. Dr. Timothy Quinn President, Quinn and Associates- Old Mission, MI Tim holds a PhD from the University of Michigan, and has been recognized with honorary doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State Universities for his leadership in the field of education. He founded the Michigan Leadership and has served as the founding Managing Director of the Broad Center for Superintendents and the Broad Academy. Dr. Quinn will play a lead role in candidate recruiting and screening. Dr. Bill Newman National Executive Director-Mountain Home, AR Bill serves our firm as the National Executive Director and assists the president with all aspects of our executive searches. He also assigns all background investigative work on candidates and supervises the teams work. He has an earned Ph.D., is a former superintendent of schools and is a retired military veteran. Mr. Ryan Ray Corporate Director-Cedar Rapids, IA Ryan serves our firm as a corporate director and assists the president with all aspects of our executive searches. He also assigns all background investigative work on candidates and supervises the teams work. He has an earned master s degree from Lindenwood University in St. Louis and a bachelor s degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Mary Fasbender Regional Search Director -St. Charles, IL Mary serves our firm as a regional search director, team member and background investigator and as such performs the recruiting and screening of candidates. She has an earned doctorate in Education 12

14 from Northern Illinois University and has been a teacher, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in Illinois for the past 40 years. Dr. Stan Paz Regional Search Director- Tucson, AZ Stan serves our firm as a regional search director and will monitor and direct search team efforts as well as recruit and screen candidates. He has an earned Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Arizona and served as a superintendent, deputy superintendent and associate superintendent in Texas and Arizona for over 20 years. Ms. Anita Johnson Regional Search Director- Laguna Niguel, CA Anita serves our firm as a regional search director, team member and background investigator and as such performs recruiting and screening of candidates. She has served as the Executive Director of the National Center for Education Research & Technology, a national superintendents group, for the over ten years. Anita Johnson has over twenty-five years of public personnel experience with emphasis on executive search, recruitment and selection, organizational development, and classification and compensation analysis. Dr. Gary Norris Regional Search Associate- Waterloo, IA Gary serves our firm as a regional search associate, team member and background investigator and as such performs recruiting and screening of candidates. He earned his Ph.D. in Education Administration from Kansas State University and has been a superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and teacher in several states for over 40 years. Dr. Michael Rush Regional Search Associate-Lakewood, NJ Michael serves our firm as a regional search associate, team member and background investigator and as such performs recruiting and screening of candidates. He has an earned doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and was a superintendent, deputy superintendent and principal in New Jersey for 15 years. Dr. Rush also worked with the New Jersey Department of Education for 5 years. Ms. Michelle Keith Vice President, Quinn and Associates- Old Mission, MI Michelle holds both a bachelors and master s degree from Iowa State University. With a career that includes years of higher education experience she was the co-founder and vice president of the Michigan Leadership Institute, through the institute Ms. Keith was engaged by the Broad Foundation. Michelle Keith has over twenty years of human resources experience with emphasis on employment, collaborative bargaining, compensation, planning and policy governance. 13

15 D. PRICING Vendors Response: Please see separately saved document as requested in the proposal issued on October 7th,

16 Company Contact Information EXHIBIT B GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Sole contact during the RFP process. Include the name, title, and contact information (address, and phone number). 2. Sole contact authorized to receive and sign any resulting Contract (address, , and phone number). Vendor Response: Overview of the company Sole Contact: Gary L. Ray, Principal/Owner Address: st Avenue SE, Suite 407, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Telephone: Fax: glr@rayassoc.com Whether company is local, regional, or national: Ray and Associates conducts local, statewide, regional and national business. Areas of specialization: Ray and Associates, Inc. has performed various types of national executive searches over the past thirty-eight (39) years, including state superintendent searches for state Departments of Education, superintendent, assistant superintendent, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, principal, business manager, executive director and administrator, for which we recruit traditional and non-traditional candidates. 15

17 2. Company Background Information. Vendor Response: BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANIZATION Ray and Associates, Inc. is a professional organization that specializes in school executive leadership searches. The firm has been in the school executive search business since 1975 and has established an outstanding reputation. The firm has been recognized by The School Administrator journal as one of the top search firms in the country. Our professional consultants, including women and minorities, are persons with long-term experience in the school executive search field with extensive backgrounds as school administrators, business executives, school board members, university professors, and attorneys. All of the consultants within the firm have years of experience in the school executive search field. Ray and Associates, Inc. is an independent and objective firm that does not accept placement fees from any candidate. We have designed a highly effective procedure that allows us to impartially assist schools in selecting the best individual for their particular needs. In partnership with Quinn and Associates, Dr. Timothy G. Quinn along with Ray and Associates, Inc. gives the Michigan State Board of Education tremendous opportunity to work with and provide a local presence being Michigan-based as well as our national exposure. Throughout his career, Dr. Quinn has served as an English teacher and football coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and at age 32, was appointed Superintendent of the 20,000-student Green Bay Public in Wisconsin, a position that he held for almost seven years. Dr. Tim Quinn has been recognized nationally as a pioneer in superintendent preparation, coaching and support. In 1998, he founded the Michigan Leadership Institute and the SUPES Academy, which convened for the first time in Today, more than half of Michigan s school superintendents have received leadership preparation through the SUPES Academy. In 2002, he was contracted by The Broad Foundation of Los Angeles, California, to serve as the founding Managing Director of The Broad Center for Superintendents and the Broad Superintendents Academy. This Academy focused on preparing leaders across America for the superintendency of our nation s largest and most challenging urban districts. In addition to our corporate office located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we have a national executive director, corporate director, six regional directors and over one hundred sixty (160) associates located throughout the country. Therefore, distance is not a factor to our firm when meeting with our clients. The corporate office also maintains a full-time administrative staff to assist in the executive search business and can be reached at (319) or at Our firm has exhibited and presented at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) for the past thirty-eight (38) years. In fact, past president of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Dr. Don Kussmaul, is an active associate with our firm. In addition, we have exhibited at various state school board conventions, including such states as Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Arizona, California, Texas, Washington, Oregon, Nebraska and others. We are the only search firm that invests the time and money to exhibit at national conventions which ultimately benefits our clients. We also have associates who are affiliated with the Council of Great City, Urban Superintendents Association of America Broad Urban Superintendents Academy, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), as well as with other professional organizations. Exhibiting at state and national conventions allows the firm to meet and recruit outstanding administrators for our client districts. As a result, Ray and Associates has access to the most comprehensive pool of candidates of any executive search firm in the country. It is only a matter of reality that outstanding administrators already have good jobs and need to be recruited. We recently conducted the state superintendent search for West Virginia Department of Education and have previously conducted state superintendent searches for the Mississippi Department of Education and Wyoming Department of Education, the executive director search for the Oregon School Boards Association and previously assisted the Florida Department of Education and Rhode Island Department of Education with their commissioner of education searches. Our firm has also conducted educational leadership searches for the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, Ohio Department of Education, Arizona School Boards Association, Broward County, Florida; Santa Clara County Office of Education, California and Milwaukee Public, Wisconsin to name a few. Our network and recruiting efforts are second to none. We bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to your district focused upon our goal to make the selection process professional, efficient, and successful so we can state, without reservation, that you will be quite pleased with our services. 16

18 3. Business Owned by Qualified Disabled Veteran Vendor response: Is the bidder a disabled veteran-owned business? No. 4. Experience with the State of Michigan. Vendor response: List of Michigan searches in the last 10 years from Ray and Associates. Ann Arbor Public Ann Arbor, Michigan (Superintendent) West Bloomfield School District West Bloomfield, Michigan (Superintendent) Ann Arbor Public Ann Arbor, Michigan (Superintendent) Plymouth-Canton Community Plymouth, Michigan (Superintendent) St.Johns Public St. Johns, MI (Superintendent) Kalamazoo Public Kalamazoo, MI (Asst. Supt. of Teaching and Learning) Kalamazoo Public Kalamazoo, MI (Director of Elementary Education) 17

19 4. Experience with the State of Michigan Continued. Vendor response: List of Michigan searches in the last 10 years from Quinn and Associates. Essexville-Hampton Public Swartz Creek Community Westwood Heights Homer Community Bangor Township School District Port Huron School District Shepherd Public Hopkins Public Eaton Rapids Public Inkster Public Bangor Township Charlotte Public School District Kingsley Area Branch ISD Traverse Bay Area ISD Whitmore Lake Public Ottawa ISD Mecosta-Osceola ISD South Redford School Huron School District District Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD Petoskey Public Lansing School District Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona ESD Woodhaven-Brownstown School District Morenci Area Oakland (Deputy Troy School District (Deputy Superintendent) Superintendent) Brandywine Public Lincoln Consolidated Gratiot-Isabella RESD Dansville Crestwood School District Redford Union Mt. Pleasant Public Calhoun ISD Boyne Falls Public Wexford-Missaukee ISD Portage Public Cheboygan Area Capac Community Potterville Public Clawson Public Lake Shore Public Farwell Area Western School District Alpena Public Grand Ledge Public Marion Public South Haven Public Montcalm ISD St. Louis Public East Lansing Public Mecosta-Osceola ISD Onsted Community Harbor Springs Public Greenville Public Cass City Public Buena Vista Fennville Public YMCA Academy, Detroit, Michigan Owosso Public Ellsworth Community School Coldwater Community Fruitport Community Mason County Central Brandywine Swan Valley School District Community Albion Public Grand Rapids Public Wayne RESA Constantine Eaton ISD Lowell Area Midland Public Garden City Public Buckley Community School Buchanan Community Okemos Public Deckerville Community Muskegon Community College (President) Riverview Community Dundee Community White Pigeon Community New Lothrop Area Public Bangor Township School District Croswell-Lexington Community Breckenridge Community Northport Public East Grand Rapids Public Manchester Dexter Community Community Novi Community Allen Park Public Ionia County ISD Brandon School District Oak Park School District Utica Community Berkley School District Glen Oaks Community College (President) Bentley Community Gaylord Community Freeland Community School District Harper Woods School District Merrill Community Southfield Public Livingston ESA Bullock Creek School District 18

20 5. Gross Annual Sales Contractor must identify the gross annual sales for the last 5 years. If the award of any resulting contract will increase your gross revenue by more than 25% from the last year s sales, explain how you will scale up to manage this increase. Vendor response: Five Years of Gross Earnings , , , , ,350 19

21 6. Experience Vendor response: Ray and Associates, Inc. has been recruiting and successfully placing state and local superintendents for over thirty-eight years and has established an outstanding reputation. The firm has been recognized by The School Administrator journal as one of the top search firms in the country. Our professional consultants, including women and minorities, are persons with long-term experience in the school executive search field with extensive backgrounds as school administrators, business executives, school board members, university professors, and attorneys. All of the consultants within the firm have years of experience in the school executive search field. Searches vary from client to client, but typically take about three months. A thorough search is one that commences with establishing position criteria, the timeline, and salary for the position and proceeds through recruiting, advertising, screening and presentation of semi-finalists. The search is only termed complete when the new State Superintendent is contracted for the position and our clients are totally satisfied. SCHOOL DISTRICT LOCATION CONTACT PERSON TITLE OF CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS/ West Virginia Department of Education (State Superintendent) Charleston, West Virginia Donna Peduto Director of Operations Wk: dpeduto@gmail.com Wyoming Department of Education (Director of the Department of Education) Cheyenne, Wyoming Paige Fenton- Hughes State Board of Education Coordinator Cell: paige.fentonhughes@gmail.com Ohio Department of Education (Supt. of Public Instruction Search) Columbus, Ohio J.C. Benton Director of Board Relations Wk: j.c.benton@education.ohio.gov Rhode Island Dept. of Education (Commissioner Search) Providence, Rhode Island Clark Greene Chief of Staff Wk: clark.greene@ride.ri.gov Arizona School Boards Association (Executive Director Search) Phoenix, Arizona Michael Hughes Board President Cell: Hm: mhughes@turnanewleaf.org This is not a complete list, and more references can be provided upon request. 20

22 7. Strategic Relationships. Explain any partnership and strategic relationships you currently have or have used that would bring significant value to the State and how that relationship will bring value to the state. Vendor response: Our partnership with Quinn and Associates and Dr. Timothy G. Quinn gives tremendous opportunities to work with and provide a local presence being Michigan-based as well as our national exposure. Dr. Tim Quinn has been recognized nationally as a pioneer in superintendent preparation, coaching and support. In 1998, he founded the Michigan Leadership Institute and the SUPES Academy, which convened for the first time in Today, more than half of Michigan s school superintendents have received leadership preparation through the SUPES Academy. In 2002, he was contracted by The Broad Foundation of Los Angeles, California, to serve as the founding Managing Director of The Broad Center for Superintendents and the Broad Superintendents Academy. This Academy focused on preparing leaders across America for the superintendency of our nation s largest and most challenging urban districts. Quinn holds a PhD from the University of Michigan, and has been recognized with honorary doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State Universities for his leadership in the field of education. Throughout his career, Quinn has served as an English teacher and football coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and at age 32, was appointed Superintendent of the 20,000-student Green Bay Public in Wisconsin, a position that he held for almost seven years. Tim has extensive knowledge of the education community in Michigan having conducted over 150 superintendent searches in the past 15 years. He understands both the Michigan political and educational environment at the K-12, community college and university levels. Michelle (Shelley) Keith was the co-founder and vice president of the Michigan Leadership Institute, which is dedicated to leadership development, placement of outstanding leaders, and continuous research on the topic of leadership. Through the Institute, Ms. Keith was engaged by The Broad Foundation to partner on the creation and management of The Broad Superintendents Academy. This Academy was a rigorous tenmonth executive management program designed to prepare and support the next generation of urban school leadership. As Associate Director of the Academy, Ms. Keith had responsibility for curriculum development, program management, and coordination of alumni support services. These support services included executive coaching, board retreats, instructional audits, and organizational audits. 8. Principal Place of Business. Vendor response: 9. Standard Contract Vendor response: CORPORATE OFFICE ST AVENUE SE, SUITE 407 CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA PHONE: FAX: glr@rayassoc.com Website: PERFORMANCE CONTRACT Ray and Associates, Inc. agrees with standard issued contract terms which will contain the provisions of this proposal and any modifications or changes mutually agreed by the parties. 21

23 A Price Proposal For the Selection of a State Superintendent of Presented To: Submitted By: Finding Leaders for America s 22

24 SEARCH COST THE COMPLETE PROCESS The cost of our proposal is for a complete search. The board will be guided and assisted by Ray and Associates, Inc. at every step in the search process from the initial phase of determining the desired qualities for the position through the actual hiring of the new superintendent. Our process is flexible. If the board desires a different approach or would prefer certain options other than those provided in our proposal, we can adjust our process to meet your specific requirements. COST BREAKDOWN The Consultant Fee. The base fee for the performance of the state superintendent search by the consultant as provided in this proposal will be thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00). If the board selects only certain elements offered in this package, or requests services not included in this package, our fees and reimbursed expenses will be adjusted accordingly. The firm will discuss any modifications relating to the search fee regarding our services at the formal presentation. The state superintendent search fee shall be paid in three (3) equal installments; first installment is due following board approval of the search timeline, the second installment is due at the mid-point of the search and the final payment is due the month that the state superintendent is officially hired by the state. Printing of the informational flyer and application form, advertisements, and mailing costs will be at the expense of the Michigan State Board of Education. 23

25 ESTIMATED COST SHEET PREPARED FOR: MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Ray and Associates, Inc. will spend as much time as needed to conduct a successful search for the Michigan Department of Education. Please Note: Our flat fee is inclusive of all services. The only hourly rates that would apply would be for requests above and beyond this proposal and would be at the following rates: Consultant $100.00/hr Administrative Asst. $25.00/hr Travel Airfares... 3, Ground transportation (billed at $0.56 per mile)... 1, Hotel (if needed for stakeholder meetings) Meals Car Rental ** Travel Subtotal... 5, **Expenses may be less if district utilizes local consultant. Telephone: (Candidate reminder calls, screening interviews, reference interviews, semi-finalist notification, finalist notifications, screening committee conference calls, etc.) Postage: (Mailing applications, follow-up for materials still needed, letters after the search for all completed files, semi-finalist and finalist, and search team materials mailed for candidate pre-screening interview.) Copies: (All materials copied for the search to the district, pre-screening materials to associates, letters to candidate, etc) ($.17 per copy) Shipping: (Federal Express to the District, materials to search coordinator, candidate information after the candidates have been selected from the screening process) *Estimated Advertising:... 3, Ray and Associates, Inc. Estimated Expense Total:... 11, Ray and Associates, Inc. Base Fee... 30, *ESTIMATED SEARCH COST... 41, *Does not include candidate expenses for interviews. All expenses are estimates, based on past experiences. The Michigan Department of Education will be billed for only the actual expenses incurred. Board Approved Advertising *We exhibit advertising as a separate entity because the cost is based on Michigan Department of Education s decisions on how extensive the need. Our associates make recommendations and the State Board has the final authority on frequency and dollars spent. 24