Des Moines school board debates transparency of superintendent search

State of play: Alton Frailey, a consultant advising the search, warned board members they should only name one final candidate.

• During a board meeting, Frailey said other districts had "top candidates" withdraw their applications prior to the final announcement because they didn't want to be named.

What they're saying: Some school board members are concerned that if it's opened up and the public's perceived favorite isn't picked, it could be a "rocky start" for the new hire, board member Jenna Knox said.

The other side: Board member Kelli Soyer said she wants a process that shows "some sort of transparency" rather than just sharing a single name.

Flashback: School board president Terree Caldwell-Johnson said three final candidates' names were shared and an open house was held during the last search.

• Former superintendent Tom Ahart was picked back in 2013.

Between the lines: The job market is tighter than ever for superintendents.

• Between 2015-20, all but six of the country's 20 largest school districts reported superintendent turnover, according to education consulting group ERS.

What's next: The board is waiting for advice from legal counsel on disclosure requirements before reconvening on the issue.