Harford School Board Starts Search for New Superintendent

The Board of Education of Harford County announced Tuesday that it has begun the search process for a new superintendent.

First, it must develop criteria for the ideal candidate, according to a statement from the school system.

To help the board determine criteria, it invites the public to weigh in at a series of public forums in December:

• C. Milton Wright High School: 7:30–8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18
• Harford County Public Schools A.A. Roberty Building: 10:30–11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19
• Havre de Grace High School: 7:30–8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19

There will also be an online survey that people can submit until Jan. 10, 2014. The survey is located here, and responses will be anonymous.

In addition to the forums, the school board is planning focus groups made up of select government officials; school system leadership, support staff and central office staff; principals, teachers, parents and students; school system employee association leadership; and business and community leaders.

For the first phase of the search, the board contracted Ray and Associates, a search firm, for approximately $7,500. 

"It is imperative that we have a fair and equitable process to ensure that the most qualified candidate is selected to continue the great tradition of excellence in Harford County Public Schools,” Board of Education President Nancy Reynolds said. “We are looking forward to engaging the community in this process.”

When the previous superintendent announced last spring that he was leaving to pursue other opportunities, the school board appointed Interim Superintendent Barbara Canavan, who will remain in her position until July 1, 2014.

What qualities do you think Harford County's superintendent should have? Tell us in the comments!

Related: HCPS Names 40-Year Veteran as Interim Superintendent