On Choosing a Superintendent

The most gifted athletes rarely make good coaches.  The best piano player will not necessarily make the best conductor, which means the best teacher /principle will not always make the best head of our school district.  The most important single decision a Board of Education makes is selecting the CEO for our school district, The Superintendent.  It is imperative for Board of Education members to remember during this selection process that the individual chosen not only be an experienced Superintendent with a proven track record, but will also have a clear vision for our district.   This individual will be an instructional leader with demonstrated communication skills.  He or she will be a respected manager, a good listener, and be flexible to the ever changing needs of our district.

Oxford needs a Superintendent with a clear agenda who is flexible enough to adapt and manage the politics of their job.  He or she needs to be adaptable to the changes in our school community.  Our new Superintendent will not always agree with everyone and understands that it is impossible to make everyone happy all the time. By the same token, our new leader should always have time to listen to parents and respond by offering solutions and not excuses.  Oxford needs someone that will take the time to visit our schools on a regular basis, attend functions outside the Board of Education meetings, and really become an involved member of school community.  Speaking to parents, teachers, and students will equip our Superintendent with another vision of our schools’ needs.  This perspective will be imperative in identifying and uncovering some of the issues that may not be so obvious to all.

As Board of Education Candidates (Amy Cote, Steven Brown, Diane Soracco), we understand the need for a strong leader who will be here for an extended amount of time.  A long term Superintendent, with a proven track record, will be essential as we work towards the Accreditation of our High School, as we search for the best teachers/directors/administrators to lead our children to educational excellence, while delivering and maintaining a fiscally responsible education budget.  The Superintendent for Oxford will welcome and appreciate community involvement through a high level of communication with all taxpayers, concerned parents, teachers, and students. 

Best,

Diane Soracco