Welcome to Ray & Associates
Why Ray & Associates?
Collaborative Recruitment
Our recruitment team offers a distinctive and impartial approach by customizing a search based on the criterium and qualifications from our District clients.
Since 1975
Trusted Experience
For nearly 50 years, we've been successfully connecting Districts and Boards across the country with outstanding school executives through our time tested recruitment practices.
Who We Are
Firm Overview
Ray & Associates, Inc. has specialized in school executive leadership searches since 1975 and is proud to be an industry leader as the first woman-owned national superintendent search firm for many years. As the times have changed, we have maintained a commitment to high performance and industry knowledge. We do not believe in a “one size fits all” process. Instead, we create a customized recruitment plan designed to identify and secure the best fit for your District. Today’s educational job market is more competitive than ever before, it is vital that you choose the right firm to lead your district. Our reputation of successful, long term placements speaks for itself and has earned us the distinction of one of the top search firms in the country by the School Administrator Journal.
Our goal is simple, we find the best fit for your District. We have developed highly effective procedures to assist schools, step by step, in selecting a leader to meet the needs of your staff and students.
INCLUSION, EQUITY & ELIMINATION OF INSTITUTIONAL RACISM
Ray and Associates will provide our clients with the highest quality services to assist them in hiring leaders who will meet District specific needs and positively impact the education of all students.
We articulate our organizational commitment to identifying and acting upon the changes that are needed to bring about inclusion, recognize the need for equity, and eliminate institutional racism.
The Ray Difference:
Exceeding Your Expectations, Cultivating the Best Candidates, Reimagining the Recruitment Process
Recruitment Excellence
Candidate Recruitment
Activating Our Extensive Candidate Pool
Finalizing Community or Stakeholder Engagement
Board Workshops
In-depth Background Investigations or Summaries
Community Engagement
Assist the Board in Reaching Consensus
“Ray and Associates guided a seamless and transparent process from start to finish. Kathy and Bridget facilitated each step, beginning with gathering community input and assisting the board in identifying our priority characteristics. They made sure our search was visible nationally, and the result was a large number of highly-qualified candidates. They used their considerable talent and experience to gather input from each of our stakeholder groups, which provided the board with valuable information as we faced the most important decision of our tenure. Throughout the entire process, Kathy and Bridget provided excellent communication of expectations and timelines. They facilitated a high-stakes, complicated situation with integrity and fidelity while also making it enjoyable. Their greatest strength was unifying the very different personalities and priorities of our board members, allowing us to come to a unanimous vote for our next district leader.”
Ms. Stacy Jolley, Board President & Ms. Linda Poole, Board Vice President
Millard Public Schools, NE
Enrollment: 24,000
Search season 2021-22
“Our consultants were top notch and the epitome of true professionals. As a new Board Chair, the process of hiring a Superintendent seemed so daunting to me. However, every step of the way they provided assistance and valuable advice that allowed me (and my committee board members) to make timely and informed decisions. Their experience in other searches allowed us to move very quickly through the process and come out with a stellar candidate that we are all very excited about. We worked very well collaboratively and all of it done remotely! In my reflection of the process, I’m so pleased with how we were able to accomplish all of this in such a timely and professional manner. My overall experience working with Ray and Associates was wonderful.”
Ms. Kara Kaelber, Board Chair
Educational Service District 123, WA
Enrollment: 70,000
March 3, 2022
“Your team guided us through the process in a seamless and transparent manner making sure our search was visible nationally, gathering input from each of our stakeholder groups, and providing the Board with valuable information as we moved toward the final selection of our next Superintendent. Our point person from Ray & Associates kept us updated and was always available to respond to our questions in a timely manner. Our overall experience with Ray & Associates exceeded our expectations, and I would not hesitate to recommend your company to other school districts.”
Mr. Alan Strauss, Chief Human Resources & Equity Officer
Broward County Public Schools, FL
Enrollment: 260,000
June 14, 2022
“In late March 2021 we asked the team to assist us with an accelerated timeline to expedite their traditional search schedule. Within 8 weeks we interviewed multiple highly-qualified finalists and identified our next Superintendent. This unprecedented search could not have been possible without Ray and Associates’ willingness to modify their approach, their willingness to collaborate, the assistance of the Ray and Associates team, and the amazing administrative team at your corporate office.”
Ms. Cathleen O’Neil Frantz,
Board President
Alhambra Elementary School District, AZ
Enrollment: 12,000
June 24th, 2021
Contact Us
Mailing Address:
PO Box 10045
Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-0045
Office Address:
901 17th Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-393-3115