Lively Community Discussion During School Superintendent Search Focus Group Meeting

Report and Photography by Paula Antolini

The Bethel Board of Education recently invited the community "to assist in developing a candidate profile for the new superintendent of Bethel Public Schools."

The CES Executive Search Team held two meetings of "Superintendent Search Focus Groups" at the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center last night, March 25, 2014, for Bethel Town Officials at 6:00 p.m and "interested members of the Bethel Community" at 7:00 p.m..

Lively discussions ensued, based on a suggested list of topics (see "Guiding Questions for Focus Group Discussions" below) which could also be added to by the groups. There were approximately twenty-five individuals at the 7 p.m. meeting.

In this process many ideas came forward, which included: having a transparency of operation, having past experience as a teacher and principal and/or Assistant Superintendent, which would add value (but not necessarily having been a Superintendent before, although that experience welcome), and a preference for high degree of education.  It was mentioned that there should be improved interaction with the new Superintendent and schools/community, he/she should be very visible and approachable, and he/she should be able to delegate when needed and not micro-manage.

Impressive overall credentials was valued highly. Another idea was that the future Superintendent should insure that additional opportunities are there for all levels of students, special needs through gifted students, which would include allocating resources strategically to all levels of students so all needs are met.

There were many more ideas, and all were meticulously listed on a big screen via laptop connection by CES, as people spoke.  All in all, it was a very productive meeting, and people were still chatting afterwards too.

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GUIDING QUESTIONS for FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Focus Group Framework

The following groups will be interviewed:
--Administrators / Teachers and Staff
--Parents / Community Members / Public Officials
--Students

Professional Experience:
Q1. What experience should the successful candidate have in his or her background?
For example, the successful candidate should have experience as:
--Superintendent of Schools
--School principal
--Assistant or deputy superintendent
--Central office supervisor (curriculum, personnel, special education, etc.)
--Private / business sector leadership
--Other

Prior Success:
Q2. What kind of achievement record should the successful candidate be able to demonstrate?
For example, the successful candidate should have had prior success in:
--Raising student achievement
--Creating a positive learning environment and culture
--Creating a positive school / district culture
--Increasing organizational productivity
--Creating a climate of trust in the community through effective communication
--Creating a climate of trust with the Board of Education
--Improving professional development programs
--Improving supervision and evaluation programs
--Recruitment and retention of high quality personnel
--Strategic planning
--Leading school reform efforts
--Other

Educational Background:
Q3. What kind of educational background would you like to see in the next Superintendent?
For example:
--Doctoral Degree
--Advanced degree (beyond M.S. degree)
--MBA
--Other

Special Knowledge:
Q4. Given your understanding of the major issues facing the school district, what personal expertise would benefit the next superintendent?
For example:
--Developing and managing school district budgets
--School construction and facilities management
--Negotiations and personnel
--Faculty relations and development
--Policy, governance
--Public relations
--Curriculum and instruction
--Student affairs and student activities
--Special education
--Fiscal management
--Communications
--Other

Personal Characteristics:
Q5. In your mind, what personal characteristics best define your ideal Superintendent?
For example:
--Strong  ethical values
--Good communicator
--Friendly and approachable; well-developed skills
--Community involvement
--Other

Final Thoughts
Going forward, what are the important issues facing the public schools?

Do you have anything that you want the board to consider in the selection process?


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MORE INFO.:

There will be more meetings at the Bethel High School on April 1, 2014, schedule as follows:

12:30 p.m. BPS Administrative Council – BHS Conf. Rm 203
2:00 p.m. Grade 9 & 10 Students - BHS Conf. Rm 203

3:15 p.m. High School & Middle School teachers - Auditorium
4:00 p.m. Elementary School teachers - Auditorium

"The online survey is available on the District website (http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us) from March 19, 2014 through April 2, 2014. The survey is anonymous, and all staff, students, parents, and interested community members are encouraged to participate."

"The data collected at the focus group sessions, along with online survey results will be used to create the selection criteria that will eventually be used to review candidate applications."

To view the Bethel Announcement of Vacancy, visit: http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/8919/download