Former Hereford Independent School District Superintendent Michael P. Stevens was hired Tuesday to serve as interim superintendent for Big Spring ISD. He takes over after the previous superintendent, Michael Downes, resigned amid allegations of misconduct prior to his six-year stint in Big Spring. Downes has not admitted to any misconduct, but said the issue, including an investigation by the Texas Education Agency was hampering his ability to serve the district.
Stevens was one of two individuals interviewed by the Big Spring board of trustees during a two-hour and 15-minute executive session Tuesday. Trustees also took time behind closed doors to discuss hiring a firm to handle the search.
Stevens, who has 36 years experience in education – the last six with Hereford ISD – will be paid $8,500 a month until a replacement is found.
Board president Irene Galan directed administrators to notify search firms to submit proposals to the district. Trustees hope to decide on a search firm during their Aug. 14 board meeting.
“I’d like everybody to be patient with us. This is not a quick process. This is not an easy process,” said Galan. “We want to make sure we find someone who is a good fit for our students, a good fit for our staff, our community as well as with this board.”
Galan said that typically, a search firm would conduct a survey of the community, administrators and teachers about the traits and skills they want in a superintendent. The firm would then seek applications and select five or six candidates to be interviewed.
“It is a process that will take some time,” she said. “In the meantime, Mr. Stevens will be with us and of course Mr. Saldivar (Assistant Superintendent Steven Saldivar).”
Galvan didn’t want to predict a timetable, but said “Hopefully in January or February the search will be narrowed down to two or three candidates and after that we can name a superintendent.”
She noted, however, that the timing isn’t ideal. Many potential candidates will be on the job at another school district in the middle of the school year.
