> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Super search moving forward - URL: https://www.smdp.com/super-search-moving-forward/ - Published: 2006-03-27T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T17:23:45.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: Education, Malibu, #archive-import *Confidentiality an issue of concern* SMMUSD HDQRTS — Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates Ltd., a nationally renowned search firm based in Glenview, Ill., will lead the district’s effort in finding a replacement for former superintendent John Deasy, the school board announced last week. Winston Braham, chief financial officer for the Santa Monica- Malibu Unified School District, will negotiate a final contract, to be approved by the board as soon as possible, district officials said. There is no word on what the cost of the contract will be; however, Hazard has charged other districts anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 or more for similar searches, according to reports from those districts. Deasy is leaving the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District to accept a similar position in Prince George’s County, Md. Former assistant superintendent Mike Mathews is filling in for Deasy on an interim basis. “We voted unanimously in favor of the firm because we felt they were the best qualified to do a nationwide search for a new superintendent,” said Julia Brownley, school board president. “The board is very committed to a nationwide search that includes a diverse selection of candidates who represent the best in their field, and we felt this firm could do that.” Hazard beat out two other competitors, Leadership Associates and RJ Gatti and Associates. RJ Gatti pulled out of the running at the last minute due to a medical emergency, school district officials said, leaving only Hazard and Leadership to present their cases before the board at a special meeting held last Wednesday. At the meeting, each firm was given roughly an hour to introduce themselves and answer a series of predetermined questions from board members. Each member asked at least two prepared questions and was allowed to ask follow-up questions. Brownley said the strength of Hazard’s presentation helped, as representatives from the firm seemed knowledgeable not only about their firm’s strengths and success rate — 90 percent — but also about Santa Monica-Malibu and the students served here. The board also seemed impressed by Hazard’s extensive network of people that associates can contact to get an assessment of a candidate from those who have worked alongside them. There was some concern about Hazard’s workload, considering it is engaged in 15 superintendent searches, as well as searches for dozens of other administrative positions, such as principals and chief financial officers. Bill Attea, a former superintendent who founded the firm in 1987, said his associates will not be distracted by other searches in progress. Hazard has 80 associates in 18 different states, Attea said, with 30 percent of those coming from related fields, meaning they were principals, financial officers or served in those capacities before becoming superintendents. “We can’t offer exclusivity … but you will have the same people working with you throughout this process,” Attea said. Of the hundreds of searches, Attea said 90 percent of those hired are still working in that position or have retired. “In past years, we’ve batted 1,000,” said Attea, who guaranteed the firm would conduct a new search for free if the board was not satisfied with its selection a year after the hire was made. Attea also said the firm would not recruit anyone hired by the board for five years after the selection. The board now must decide how inclusive and transparent it wants the search to be on top of informing Hazard associates what type of superintendent they are looking for. It is already clear that the board is seeking someone who can provide the strong leadership and clear direction Deasy was known for during his tenure. Board members are also looking for someone who can close the achievement gap among certain students and provide stability as the district embarks on a new master plan for school use and construction. To attract the best candidates possible, Attea said the firm recommends total confidentiality throughout the process. The reasoning behind this is that candidates will not want to apply if their names are made public, for fear that if they do not get the job, they will have to return to an upset school board. “We feel strongly that a confidential search will get you the best candidates, but the decision is yours to make,” Attea said. “We will certainly meet with the community, teachers, whomever you want us to meet with to gain their input, but we recommend that once we start the search that it be confidential until the final candidate is selected.” This concerned school board members, who said they would like the community to be involved as much as possible. Another concern is compensation. While the district is attractive to candidates because of its location, high expectations for student achievement and strong financial outlook, Attea said candidates may be turned off by the high cost of housing. This could be remedied, however, if the board decides to offer a housing-benefits package. There is hope on all sides that a list of candidates can be presented to the board by June, with a final selection coming shortly afterwards. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 27, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/032706.pdf?ref=smdp.com)