Superintendent Search Update- 1.22.25
January 22, 2025
Cato-Meridian Central School District Community,
We hope this update finds you well. We want to keep you informed about the ongoing search for the next Superintendent of Schools for the Cato-Meridian Central School District. As you know, Mr. Michael Hoose is serving as Interim Superintendent through June 2025; and the Board of Education has been actively working to find a qualified successor to lead our district into the future. Below is a chronology of events since the Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Terry Ward.
Search Consultant Appointment: On November 4, 2024, the Board of Education officially appointed the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES District Superintendent as the search consultant to assist the Board of Education in facilitating the superintendent search process. The expertise and guidance of the consultant will be instrumental in ensuring a thorough and effective search.
Community Involvement: Throughout the month of December and into January, while the position was being advertised and candidates were applying, a community survey was available for everyone to provide their thoughts and opinions through Thought Exchange. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Thought Exchange Superintendent Search Survey. We were fortunate to have over 115 participants that rated over 2,300 “thoughts” originating from our community. We value the input of our community members and staff in this important decision-making process. The Board of Education will use this information to guide their selection process.
Survey Highlights: We are pleased to share some of the highlights from the Thought Exchange survey. The link below will open a PowerPoint where you will find the themes and bullet points that encapsulate the insights and contributions of all community members that chose to participate in the process: The PowerPoint can be found here.
Next Steps: As the search process progresses, the Board of Education will conduct two rounds of confidential interviews with selected candidates who meet the established criteria for the vacancy. At the same time, opportunities for participation in stakeholder discussions with the final candidates—scheduled for late winter or early spring—will be carefully coordinated. Internally, employees will be selected by their respective association presidents, ensuring a representative and structured approach. Externally, participation will require registration. Each of the two finalists will also spend a full day in our district to engage with the school community and gain a deeper understanding of our schools.
Final Decision and Appointment: After the final interviews have been conducted, the Board of Education will deliberate and make the final decision, extending an offer to the successful candidate. We anticipate announcing the appointment of the next Superintendent of Schools for the Cato-Meridian Central School District in April 2025.
Commencement of Service: Our newly appointed Superintendent is expected to begin their service in early July 2025. Their fresh perspective and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our district.
We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and engagement throughout this process. Your input is invaluable, and we are committed to ensuring a transparent and collaborative selection process for our next Superintendent. Together, we will continue to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Cato-Meridian community.