The Emerson Board of Education is beginning the search for our next Superintendent of Schools. As part of this process, we are seeking input from parents and the broader community. Your feedback will help the Board identify the qualities, experience, and priorities that are most important for our next district leader.
We invite all parents, guardians, students, staff, and community members to complete this brief survey by September 14, 2025: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9W8X88F
We also hope you will join us for an in-person conversation.
August 29, 2025
On behalf of the Emerson Board of Education, I’m pleased to provide an update on the School Superintendent search.
Last month, the Emerson School District announced the retirement of Dr. Phil Nisonoff,
Superintendent of Schools, effective January 1, 2026. The Board has now begun the search process to select the next leader of our Schools.
At its July meeting, the Board unanimously selected Strategic Exemplary Alliance (SEA) to guide this effort. SEA has more than 12 years of experience in successful superintendent placements and brings proven expertise in identifying exceptional education leaders. Dr. Michael Kuchar, Ken Rota, and Judy Rattner will serve as SEA’s lead consultants to design and develop a selection process to find the superintendent that will lead the Emerson Public Schools into the future and help pave the way for success for every student.
The Board of Education recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of its most important responsibilities. Community participation is essential to ensure that the insights, hopes, and concerns of all stakeholders shape this process. Your voice matters—and your input will help ensure that the next superintendent builds on Emerson’s strong traditions of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, while advancing a future that supports the success and well-being of every learner.
Over the next three months, SEA will interact with the Emerson community through in-person and virtual stakeholder meetings as well as a districtwide on-line survey. This process will result in the development of a “Leadership Profile” that reflects the community’s values, priorities, and aspirations. The Board will use the “Leadership Profile” as a guide in the selection of a superintendent who is the “best fit” for Emerson.
Regular updates, including information on the districtwide on-line survey and the stakeholder
meetings will be posted on the Emerson Public Schools website under the “Quick Links” section within the next few days.
We look forward to partnering with you throughout this important process and will strive to communicate as transparently and effectively as possible.
Sincerely,
Behrooz Pasdar
President, Emerson Board of Education
