JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown School District has started the process of searching for a new superintendent to replace retiring superintendent Daniel “Deke” Kathman.
The school board held its first meeting of 2013 Tuesday night in the administration building at Jefferson school – with Kathman formally announcing to the board his intention to retire at the end of this school year. The superintendent first announced in a media release and press conference last week that he was stepping down.
To begin the search for a replacement, the school board approved a resolution to bring on Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES district superintendent David O’Rourke as a consultant. The district will not pay for O’Rourke’s services – but it will re-compensate BOCES for any of the time that is taken away from O’Rourke role as district superintendent.
School board president Joe DiMaio says its too early to know what type of a timeline the board would like to following in finding a suitable replacement for Kathman, but adds it will be an extensive process, with an ad hoc committee comprised of board members and other stake holders being created to help select the best person for the job.
DiMaio also said that while the district has had a recent history of hiring within the district or going with someone who has past ties with Jamestown, the board is willing to consider any and all qualified candidates.
DiMaio added that although Kathman’s retirement date is July 31 – it is not a ”drop-dead date” for hiring his superintendent because there is staff already in place who can help to temporarily serve in that function if need.
Kathman has served the school district for 26 years, the last five as superintendent.
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