1. What differentiates HYA from other education search and consulting firms?
  2. How long has HYA been in the education search business?
  3. How will HYA consultants help our search process?
  4. What kind of organizations does HYA provide searches for?
  5. How long do superintendent searches generally take, and what does the process entail?
  6. What kind of guarantee does HYA offer for a search placement?
  7. What other services does HYA provide?
  8. How does HYA measure success in terms of placement?
  9. How can we check HYA references?
  1. What differentiates HYA from other education search and consulting firms?
    HYA combines an unparalleled national network of experienced consultants (more than 100 living in every region of the country) with significant attention to local requirements. Each search HYA conducts is specifically tailored to the district’s unique needs. Our Associates include active and former superintendents as well as board members who have led high-performance school systems noted for their uncompromising educational standards.
  2. How long has HYA been in the education search business?
    Founded in 1987, HYA has more than 20 years of experience and an exceptional track record of more than 800 completed searches.
  3. How will HYA consultants help our search process?
    HYA consultants, supported by a full-time CEO, office staff and an active Board of Directors, maintain dynamic relationships with education leaders throughout the country, enabling them to actively recruit candidates who may not otherwise be engaged in a job search.
    HYA thoroughly screens each potential candidate with a careful review and a personal interview before presentation of candidate slates.
  4. What kind of organizations does HYA provide searches for?
    Historically HYA has served hundreds of public school districts—suburban, urban and rural of all sizes. HYA has also led searches for a number of park districts.
  5. How long do superintendent searches generally take, and what does the process entail?
    Superintendent searches can run as little as six weeks for an expedited search with a special timetable for completion, to as long as 16 weeks for a comprehensive search.
    HYA multi-phased national searches begin with background review and meeting with the Board to ensure district needs are clearly articulated.  Following creation of a Leadership Profile Report, vacancy announcements are posted and aggressive recruitment by HYA consultants begins. Candidate evaluation includes checking personal and professional references delving past the official file. Once initial interviews are completed, HYA will present a select slate of candidates to the Board and then conduct a seminar designed to prepare the Board for candidate interviews.
    HYA consultants are available for counsel or direct assistance to the Board throughout the search, including support as it selects two to three finalists. HYA support is also offered for the individual who is identified as the next superintendent.
  6. What kind of guarantee does HYA offer for a search placement?
    If the Superintendent leaves the position within one year of beginning his or her responsibilities, HYA will conduct a new search for the Board at no cost other than expenses.
  7. What other services does HYA provide?
    HYA offers Board development and administrative/leadership team workshops and retreats addressing accountability, board governance, evaluation, goal setting, strategic planning and teamwork development.
    Board development workshops and retreats are designed to help boards become stronger, more efficient governance bodies with clearly defined missions, vision and established goals.
    HYA consultants also provide ongoing mentorship for the superintendent, a particularly valuable asset for school district leaders early in their careers.
  8. How does HYA measure success in terms of placement? HYA prides itself on the longevity of the superintendents hired through our searches. We estimate that about 85 % of superintendents employed with the assistance of HYA continue in the position for which they have been hired through retirement.
  9. How can we check HYA references?
    HYA encourages potential clients to review the list of completed searches and contacts and to get in touch with district representatives to learn first-hand why HYA remains a leader in educational searches and consulting.