Superintendent's Search

Community Engagement Feedback Summary “Qualities & Characteristics”

Dr. Kevin Castner, BWP AssociateDr. E. Wayne Harris, BWP Associate

December 19, 2013

Public Engagement Objectives

• To learn the strengths, needs, and issues of ACPS that match the Leadership Profile

• To describe the District’s strengths, needs, and issues to the recruited candidates

• To build community understanding and support for the superintendent’s search process.

ACPS Superintendent SearchCommunity Engagement Meetings

(To identify/record qualities/characteristics of Alexandria’s Superintendent)

• BWP Associates facilitated discussions with Employees and Community on December 3-5

• BWP Associates engagement activities involved 12 groups and 26 interviews including Board members, faculty, staff, students, and various community groups and included an on- line community survey.

• The total number of people who participated in the engagement meetings was 165 and we have over 826 completed surveys.

Superintendent’s SearchPreliminary Survey Results

• Skills desired– Leadership– Communication– Interpersonal/public relations

• Characteristics desired– Integrity – Good judgment– Team builder

• Experience desired– Experience in multi-cultural environment – Classroom teacher/instruction – Superintendent with proven record of success - Experience in strategic planning

• Important upcoming issues– Growth– Funding– Curriculum/Instruction

ACPS Schools Community Engagement Meetings Identified Common Thoughts and Themes

Question # 1: Strengths

• Diversity• Excellent caring teachers/staff• Supportive community• Good relationship with City Council• Size and location of system• Resources to support the schools• Number of educational options and

programs – arts, music, technology support

Question # 2: Challenges

• Addressing the achievement gap• Meeting the needs of socio-economic

gap, ELL students, transient students• Instructional program v. state

accountability system• Economic extremes• Growing enrollment• Determine the effectiveness of many

initiatives• Create and maintain a positive

organizational culture• Create and maintain a collaborative

engaging decision making process

Question # 3: Qualities and CharacteristicsBack ground experiences have provided understanding of diversity/multicultural environment with proven success in a urban system

•A visionary leader who can assess current programs, maintain effective efforts, and seek the next level of improvement needed to prepare students for success in the 21st century.

•An approachable, insightful servant leader who will work with staff and community to support a culture of transparency and collaboration that encourages participation in improved instructional services.

•A collaborative leader who will make the best use of available resources and efficiently and effectively manage a comprehensive system.

•A student centered, personable leader with integrity who can communicate effectively with all types of people and consistently advocate for what is best.

•An individual who will passionately advocate for all students and who will demonstrate a commitment to become a visible member of the community.

ACPS Schools Community Engagement Meetings Identified Common Thoughts and Themes

Leadership Profile Descriptors

• Visionary Educator

• Instructional Leader

• Collaborative Manager

• Effective Communicator

Alexandria City Schools: Superintendents Search“Next Steps”

Specifications: Completed in JanuaryBoard Approves ProfileReport On-line survey results

Recruitment/Assessment: Completed by MarchBWP receives/reviews applicationsBWP screens applicants/completes reference checksBWP prepares slate of candidates/recommends to Board

Selection: Completed by April 30Board selects/interviews candidates Board conducts 1st round of interviewsBoard selects finalistBoard interviews finalistBoard selects new superintendent/negotiates contractBoard Introduces new superintendent to communitySuperintendent begins July 1, 2013

Alexandria City Schools: Superintendents Search“Next Steps”

Plan B Schedule

Specifications: Completed in JanuaryBoard Approves ProfileReport On-line survey results

Recruitment/Assessment: Completed by February 1, 2014BWP receives/reviews applications BWP screens applicants/completes reference checksBWP present slate of candidates not later than mid-February

Selection: Completed not later than March 3, 2014Board selects/interviews candidates Board conducts 1st round of interviews February 20, 2014Board selects finalistBoard interviews finalist February 26, 2014Board selects new superintendent March 3, 2014Board Introduces new superintendent to communitySuperintendent begins July 1, 2013

Alexandria School Board

Discussion and Questions