The Caldwell School District has set the ground rules for its superintendent search.

But consistent with recent controversies in Caldwell, this proved to be a contentious process.

Applications for the vacancy will go through the school district’s clerk, the Idaho Press-Tribune reported Tuesday. The last time the district needed to hire a superintendent, applications went through a city human resources representative.

“They’re going against a template that created complete transparency,” said Russ Beardsley, a member of the previous search committee, according to the Press-Tribune.

That earlier search committee chose Tim Rosandick to head the district; he was hired in April 2012. But in June, trustees abruptly ousted Rosandick and assistant superintendent Luci Asumendi — and have not explained the move.

Rosandick and Asumendi remain under contract, in consulting roles, at 2015-16 salaries of $137,000 and $96,297, respectively.

Beardsley is leading a group that is seeking to recall trustees Leif Skyving and Amy Rojas for their support of the administrative shakeup.