Please Read Before Applying for a Mississippi Superintendency!  

Mississippi Code Section 37-9-13

MSBA Superintendent Search Info

As a service to its members, the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) launched a fee-based superintendent search service in 2006. To date, MSBA has conducted approximately 120 superintendent searches statewide, ranging from school districts as large as 30,000 students to school districts as small as 600 students. At their discretion, school boards may contract with MSBA to assist in the search for their next superintendent. 

Basic elements of the search are as follows:

• MSBA meets with the board to determine specific criteria and advertises the search based on the criteria. The search is advertised locally and through the National School Boards Association (NSBA).

• MSBA receives and processes each application.

• MSBA evaluates each application to ensure the application is complete and that the applicant meets the legal qualifications for superintendent in Mississippi as defined in MS Code 37-9-13. 

• Depending on the type of search selected, MSBA conducts preliminary interviews on all applicants.

• Once MSBA completes the recruitment and evaluation process, MSBA presents a summary report to the Board on all applicants. The report includes if and how each applicant meets the criteria/qualifications as established by the State of Mississippi and by the local Board as determined by a review of the application, background information obtained through reference checks, résumés, and preliminary interviews.

• MSBA does not eliminate applicants, all applicants are presented to the school board.   

• MSBA does not provide the names of the applicants or the number of applicants to anyone other than the school board. 

The School Board:

• Determines who will be interviewed by the Board.  

• The MDE Alternative Qualifications for Prospective District Superintendents of Education requirements for applicants who do not meet the legal qualifications place the responsibility of determining and verifying six years of documented successful leadership experience on the appointing local school board. 

• Votes to hire the superintendent whom the Board determines will meet the needs of the school district.

  MSBA does NOT make recommendations to the Board regarding superintendent selection.

Note: Before applying for a position, please review both the legal qualifications and the criteria established by the school board.  An individual may meet the legal qualifications of MS Code 37-9-13 but may not meet the criteria established by the local school board. Qualifications and criteria can be found in the district’s announcement brochure.