Survey: Next Superintendent Should Be "Ethical," Accessible To Public

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Johns Creek, GA -- The Fulton County School Board on Thursday released the results of a survey that will guide the body as it moves forward in the process of selecting the school system’s next superintendent.

“The school board appreciates the community’s careful consideration of the qualities and attributes of an ideal superintendent candidate,” said Board President Linda McCain. “Hiring the superintendent is one of the most important decisions a school board will make. The job requires a skillset that is often found among the top CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. The daily mission of educating 96,000 students rests on the shoulders of the superintendent, which is a Herculean task, so choosing this individual is not a responsibility we take lightly.”

The survey was available throughout December and garnered 1,665 responses. The majority of respondents were parents -- 63 percent -- and school system employees -- 38 percent.

Structured as a six-question survey to allow parents, staff and community members a straightforward way to provide their input, the survey asked questions about the district’s performance and priorities as well as the candidate’s desired professional background, skills and traits.

Respondents respondents indicated they preferred a candidate with teaching and school leadership experience, and prior experience as a superintendent would be desired, but not required, the school system said.

The next superintendent also should be honest, ethical and visionary while also being a problem-solver and strong communicator. In addition, a visible leadership style that is accessible to stakeholders ranked as the most desired skill followed by flexibility and comfort with change and innovative practices. Instructional and curricular expertise as well as communication and public relations skills also ranked highly on the list of desired abilities.

“A superintendent unquestionably must have these traits,” said McCain. “We’re pleased to know that the community also holds these qualities in high regard.”

In addition, respondents ranked the district’s performance highest in the areas of safe school climate, rigorous K-12 curriculum, high quality teachers and personnel, technology integration, school facilities, and career and college preparation.

“Fulton’s success in these areas is attractive to superintendent candidates who want to join a nationally regarded school system.” McCain continued. “Our community [through the survey] indicates that it wants a leader who will work with our board to build on our strengths while continuing to move the district to an even higher level of performance.”

With the survey results in hand, a leadership profile now can be created and used to identify top candidates. The district’s law firm, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, is managing the search process and will solicit candidates through a number of search firms. It also will request applicants through national advertisements and notices to state and national school leadership associations.

The school board expects to have a permanent superintendent named and on board by the summer. More information about the survey and its results can be found here.

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