Google Off Limits In Hinsdale Search?

HINSDALE, IL — The Hinsdale High School District is poised to search for a new assistant superintendent for academics, and it may spend thousands of dollars along the way. But a search firm advised the school district last week to avoid a tool that many would use — Google.

At last week's school board meeting, member Erik Held asked a representative of the Illinois Association of School Boards, which helps school districts with searches, whether it probes the internet for possible problems with candidates if such information fails to turn up through other means.

"We do not Google," said Valorie Moore, a consultant with the association. "I did a Google (when I started). That was the first lesson I learned. You don't Google. It's not fair to the candidate."

She said false information may come from sources such as social media and cannot legally be used against a candidate.

"When they meet with you, they have to tell you their story. They can share if there have been any issues. The issues should come from the person. We do not Google at all," said Moore, a retired superintendent.

Moore said her firm would bring the board six or eight of the top candidates or whatever number the board chooses. The board did not make a decision last week on whether to hire the association to conduct the search.

The board is seeking to fill the assistant superintendent's position that will be left vacant by the exit of Carol Baker, whose last official day is June 30. Earlier this month, the board voted unanimously against renewing her contract. She also is barred from working as a teacher in the district next year. The district has not given a reason for her dismissal.