Board of Education Seeks Input in Superintendent Search
The Board of Education is in the process of selecting a superintendent for Burke County Public Schools. To that end, we are sending letters soliciting public input from community leaders, as well as seeking input from our staff. Parents, students, and members of the community are also invited to participate in an anonymous online survey to help with this process. Please submit your responses by September 1, 2009.
The results of the survey will be reviewed by the Board of Education and then shared with the final candidate.
Forgive me for being so literal, but does this mean they pick the final candidate AND THEN tell him/her what the community wants?
That seems counter-intuitive to me.
How about "The Board will review the results of the survey and will use those results to guide them in choosing a new superintendent." (OK, I admit I am a little picky,)
Below are some of the questions on the form from Survey Monkey - the possible choices are "Most important", "Very Important" "Important" and "Less Important" and "Least Important":
Communicates well with all community groups.
Has strong human relations or "people" skills.
Understands research-based school programs.
Supports the use and development of technology in teaching and learning.
Is willing to take new approaches to teaching and learning.
Understands school finance, budgets and business management.
Knows how to get staff, students, parents and community to work together to help children learn.
Understands how to, and is able to effectively delegate authority.
Has experience with building, maintaining and managing schools.
Has been an effective classroom teacher.
Has been a successful principal.
Has been a successful assistant or associate superintendent.
Has been a successful superintendent.
Has worked in North Carolina public education.
Should have high visibility in our schools.
In the interest of avoiding copyright infringement, I have not provided all of the questions. In my opinion, the first 15 questions on the survey itself are "duh" questions - many of them will be "most important" or "very important" to the majority of those surveyed.
The last questions (in bold) are the most focused and concrete.
The last question seems to be an afterthought.
If you'd like to comment about the survey and let others know what you feel is most important, please post. Again, in my opinion, the first 15 or so questions on the survey are generic, "of course the superintendent better have these qualities" questions.
If you disagree with my assessment of that, so state - I suppose I am a bit jaded and may not recognize legitimate questions there. Otherwise, let us know what qualities you really want the superintendent to have.
Potential Superintendents: Burke County is a wonderful place to live. The community has never been so energized and united over the opposition to the current school board, and many of us fear that the shenanigans perpetrated by them will not end soon.
Please understand that we are good people who will treat with respect those who treat us with respect, and we will value a superintendent who values children and staff and who will not succomb to the will of unethical board members.
Fellow citizens: please complete the survey!
Thanks -
