GIBBON — Consultant Jeff Bertrang reviewed the superintendent search process with the Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board Monday.

Interim superintendent Kelly Smith said the school district is working with the South Central Services Cooperative (SCSC) of North Mankato as it has in previous years. Smith’s contract with GFW expires June 30, 2025.

“I think sharing a superintendent (with another school district) down the road makes sense,” said Smith.

Board member Brad Turtle of Gibbon favored hiring a full-time superintendent in the coming months.

“We have a lot on our plate with a new school,” said Turtle.

Smith suggested hiring a superintendent for up to three years.

He said the school district has received few applicants in its search for business manager.

Smith suggested hiring a superintendent that may be able to also fill the business manager role. Current school district business manager Lindsey Heine’s contract ends June 30, 2025.

Bertrang said the school district could also cover business manager duties with contracted services through the SCSC.

“That may be a better idea,” said board member Dan Merkel of Fairfax.

Bertrang said he will post the GFW superintendent opening this week. He plans to begin sit-down meetings with school staff and meet with students and community members as part of the search process.

“We like sit-down sessions. It helps us create a school district profile,” he said.

“We’re getting an awful lot for no cost here. If you do the same for us this time as last time, we’d be very grateful,” said board member Ken Briese of Gibbon.

“I think you’re in a good spot. We’ll look at candidate attributes and recommend four great people. The board could select other candidates to interview if it wants to,” said Bertrang.

According to the superintendent search contract, the SCSC program assists member school districts with the superintendent search at no cost other than normal reimbursement expense such as printing, postage, phone and advertising costs. Program consultants are Bertrang, Harold Remme, and Ed Waltman.