Transcript Kent County Superintendent Characteristics

Harford County
Superintendent Characteristics
www.mabe.org
Presented by:
Bea Gordon, Lead Consultant
Maryland Association of Boards of Education
Stakeholder Forums – January 27 & 28
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Staff
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Central Office Administrators & Leadership Team
Principals
Employee Associations
Teachers
Support Staff
Community
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Elected/Appointed Officials
Parents/community
Community leaders
Written Feedback
Received input from nearly 200 people.
Questions:
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Tell us the good things about Harford County
public schools and community.
What are the skills, qualities, and
characteristics you would like to see in the
next superintendent?
What issues will a new superintendent need
to know about to be successful here?
Good Things - Community
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Rural, urban, and suburban
Many academic and extracurricular programs to address a
variety of educational and community needs
Past superintendent was committed to hiring a diverse staff
Friendly and warm with a good family environment
School system and community are large but have managed to
keep small town character and feel
Located near the I-95 Corridor and many colleges and
universities
Easy distance from Baltimore, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and
New York
Economic growth
Conservative but progressive
Good Things - Schools
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Students come first
School system is high achieving and is the crown jewel of
Maryland
Excellent principals and teachers – Good students
Numerous partnerships with businesses, agencies, and local
colleges
Good variety academic programs and activities such as boys’
and girls’ clubs
Diversity
Efficient – One of the lowest costs per pupil in MD
Many employees with longevity in the school system
Test scores above national average – instructional
program is data driven
Strong effort in Special education
Leadership
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Visionary
Practices evolution and not revolution is willing
to study the current state then make changes
Leader who is able to develop successive leadership
Values students, teachers; respects their capacity to
succeed
Value the parents, community, tax payers
Ability to use “teamwork to make the dream
work”
Creative problem solver
Board’s Characteristic
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A successful instructional leader who
can recognize and build on current
successes; has demonstrated the
ability to improve student performance
and narrow achievement gaps
understands current educational trends;
Skills Qualities and Characteristics
Communication/Relationship Skills
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Visible and active in schools and community
Understands the politics of the County - Politically astute
Willing to work with elected officials, government agencies,
and MSDE
Able to build partnerships with business, community
organizations, and parents
Excellent communication skills and ability to listen
Ability to reach out to, and communicate with, all
educational entities and community organizations
Understand the needs and desires of parents,
grandparents, and taxpayers
Board’s Characteristic
An open and inclusive communicator
who values input from all
stakeholders; is visible and active in
the schools and community; and
effectively builds strong relationships
with and among the board, staff,
students, and community;
Board’s Characteristic
A consensus builder who works with
and balances the needs of diverse
groups; involves all segments of the
community; and can work
collaboratively with the board, local
and state leaders;
Instructional Background
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K-12 experience
Does not base all decisions on test scores
Success closing achievement gaps
Willing to try innovative ideas to meet the needs of all
students
Provides opportunities for well rounded development of
students (extracurricular activities and the arts)
Understanding of special needs students
Understands needs of non-college bound students and
values vocational/technical programs
Understands technology and its role in education
PASSION AND ENTHUSIASM FOR STUDENTS
Board’s Characteristic
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A student focused educator who
understands curriculum development,
instruction, and assessment; is
experienced meeting the requirements
of NCLB; and understands the need
for high quality special education,
vocational, technical, advanced
placement, and gifted programs;
Administrative Skills
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Practices evolution and not revolution
Willing to study the current state then make changes
Has grit, thick skin
Leader who is able to develop successive leadership
Values students, teachers; respects their capacity to
succeed
Value the parents, community, tax payers
Ability to use “teamwork to make the dream work”
Creative problem solver
Proactive risk taker
Board’s Characteristic
An experienced administrator with
strong budget and financial experience
and familiarity with growth and
facilities management; can attract,
support, and retain a highly qualified
workforce; and has experience with
succession planning;
Personal Attributes
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Wants every child to succeed
Keep students first
Honesty, integrity
Approachable
Sense of humor
Excellent personal background
Board’s Characteristic
An ethical leader who is strong and
thoughtful; has high standards of
integrity, honesty, compassion, and
courage; respects all staff, students
and community members.
Board’s Preferences
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Knowledge of the Maryland education system,
laws, funding, curriculum and assessment; and
will become an active member of the Harford
County Community
Experience in a district with similar demographics
and issues
Doctorate Degree
Issues
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Special Education
The disparity along the Route 40 Corridor - Haves and have
nots
Discipline, safety, and gangs
Diversity
Finances – budget; transparent spending plan, Title I Schools
Redistricting
BRAC, Can handle change and growth
Middle school reform, Comprehensive Secondary Reform,
STEM
Block Schedules, LICW
Negative media and reporting
Elected vs. Appointed Board
Succession Planning
Next Steps
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Advertise and Recruit
– February, March
Screen Applications
– Begins March 23
Initial Interviews
– Early May
In County Interviews
– May 18 – 21
Superintendent begins
– July 1
[email protected]
www.mabe.org