Ken
O’Brien
Back in May 2010 The Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education issued a report titled Southbridge
Public Schools - Level 4 District Review.
At the time the district was facing the departure of
Superintendent Dr. Dale Hanley.
Here is what the State had to say on the subject of
finding her replacement at the time.
The
school committee should conduct an open, transparent, and inclusive process for
the replacement of the retiring superintendent.
It is imperative that the school committee hire a
superintendent who will continue to build upon the systems developed and implemented
by the current superintendent and her staff and who will provide the leadership
necessary to move the district to the next level. To accomplish this, the
school committee should enter into a contract with an independent consultant
with experience in superintendent searches for assistance with the process. The
consultant could assist the school committee by such services as helping to
identify the qualities and qualifications sought in the new superintendent,
drafting a superintendent of schools job description, developing a brochure
about the community and the position, advertising the position, preparing a
timetable for filling the position, seeking input from the various
constituencies both in the school system and in the community, and assisting
with the initial screening of applicants.
It is essential that representatives from each of
the various stakeholder groups, such as teachers, parents, students, and
citizens of Southbridge, be included in the interview process and that the
interviews be open to the public. Furthermore, it is suggested that provision
be made for a smooth and orderly transition by enabling both the retiring and
the new superintendent to work together for a reasonable period of time.
For ESE: In addition, it would be most helpful if
ESE monitored and supported the recruitment, screening, and interviewing
process for the new superintendent, in order to help make sure that the
candidate who best fits the needs of the district is selected.
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