This Is What Amity Parents Want In Next Schools Superintendent

Information via Amity Public Schools:

From: Dr. Joseph Erardi – JE Consulting
Re: Community Profile / Community Engagement
Engagement and Collection of Information

JE Consult ascertained data by holding 14 focus meetings (one-on-one, small group, elected officials, administration, staff, board members, and community forums) and by synthesizing information which was gleaned from over 120 R5 members who participated in the online survey. In summary, the findings listed below represent the contribution and opinion from staff, parents, board of education members, the office of the first selectmen, and community members.

Findings
The Region 5 community has prioritized the following skills as essential needs for the new superintendent:
1. A superintendent who is experienced and confident as an effective communicator to all stakeholders;
2. A superintendent who understands teaching and learning and one who thinks strategically for 7-12 students;
3. A superintendent who has a collaborative and approachable leadership style and one that will work closely and effectively with all levels within the organization;
4. A superintendent who understands the subtle difference between wants and needs and one who can provide the necessary resources for all learners;

5. A superintendent who understands and embraces complex learners.

The Region 5 community has prioritized the following character traits as essential needs for the new superintendent:
1. Trust
2. Approachable and Personable
3. Problem Solver
4. Intelligence
5. Honesty
6. High Personal and Professional Standards / Common Sense / Sense of Humor /Ethical

Those who participated in the data collection believe that the greatest success within the Region 5
district is:
1. The ownership and pride that each community takes in their local (PK-6) school and their regional (7-12) commitment to all children;
2. The student who leaves the region with an experience that has prepared the learner for success beyond AHS;
3. The staff (defined as all layers within the organization) who work tirelessly for all children;
4. The parents and community who support the region;
5. The ability to offer a personalized learning experience to all students.

Those who participated in the data collection believe that the greatest challenge within the region is:
1. Three well-meaning communities making every decision that is best for children;
2. To maintain the level of excellence within the region due to the turbulent fiscal picture of both state and federal dollars;
3. To fully understand the individual needs of every child; in particular, children with specialized programming;
4. The needed attention when students transition from their local school to the regional middle school / high school;
5. To maintain the present standard of excellence which showcases the region as one of the top performing districts in the country.

In addition, those who participated in the focus groups and those who shared additional comments on
the survey believe the following is important for committee consideration within the hiring process:
 The new superintendent should go on a lengthy listening and learning tour before
recommending any regional change;
 The new superintendent should be an exemplary instructional leader with a proven record
of student success;
 The new superintendent should be visible within the school community and the communityat-large;
 The new superintendent should understand the unique challenges that confront a regional
school district;
 The new superintendent must have knowledge around all aspects of fiscal responsibility;
 The new superintendent should consider an every day open door policy for both staff and
community;
 The new superintendent must be able to retain, lead, and inspire the present R5 staff;
 The new superintendent understands and embraces all aspects of co-curricular student
opportunities including the arts and athletics;
 The new superintendent is clear, concise, and detailed with communication to all
stakeholders;
 The new superintendent embraces parents, students, staff, and community as partners.