Feb2020LMhi

LegalCorner

NewYear, NewDistrict? Tips to Help You Navigate the Process

Chad Watkins IASA Associate Director/General Counsel

Congratulations! We would like to offer you the job as our district’s next superintendent.

evaluate them. Boards should understand that committing to a new district is not a split-second decision and requires careful consideration. • Findout howthe contractwill beprepared andnegotiated. As part of your initial conversation regarding the offer, find out how the contract will be drafted and who will be handling negotiations. Districts across the state take different approaches. Some use their board attorney; some do not. Some utilize the contract from the previous superintendent; some do not. Some also invite the new superintendent to draft a proposed contract. • Contactme. I can be reached at 217–381–8014 or cwatkins@iasaedu.org . Subject to some limitations, I am available to assist current members regarding

For some, hearing those words from the school board president means getting that first shot at your dream job, leading a school district. For others, those words mean a fresh start or an exhilarating challenge in a new place. Whatever the circumstances, it is always exciting to learn that you have been chosen for the job, and that is worth celebrating. But at the same time, it is important that your excitement does not get in the way of prudent decision making as you develop your contract in the new district. To help you navigate this process successfully, here are some tips to keep in mind: • Knowyour non-negotiablesandpriorities. Even before receiving an offer, consider what must be in your contract before you move to a new district. This could be a certain salary, paid family health insurance, a certain number of vacation days, etc. This is a personal decision and only you can decide what you are willing to accept for a new opportunity. • Upon receiving theoffer, bepositive, yet non-committal. When you get the offer, be sure to communicate your appreciation for the board’s decision but avoid committing to terms before you have had a chance to

matters related to their employment, including contract negotiations, as well as individuals who have been offered superintendent positions and who commit to becoming an IASA member upon becoming the superintendent.

The preceding article was written for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For matters related to your employment, you are invited to contact me to discuss possible representation.

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LM February 2020