Here's What Beverly Wants In Its Next Schools Superintendent

BEVERLY, MA -- The next superintendent of Beverly Public Schools should be open and approachable and ready to tackle curriculum issues, including class size and free kindergarten, in his or first year on the job, according to a profile of the ideal candidate developed by a consultant. Dr. John Brackett of the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts at Boston used survey responses and focus group sessions with teachers, staff, parents and students to develop the profile.

The profile will be used by the search committee charged with finding a replacement for Steven Hiersche, who plans to retire when his five-year contract ends on June 30. In addition to an experienced educator, respondents signaled they want a superintendent who will foster a sense of inclusiveness. Desirable personal traits for the next superintendent include compassion, integrity, honesty and charisma.

"Your community feels that this person needs to be an experienced educator," Brackett told the school committee last month. "Being a classroom teacher and having that sense of the work was very important."

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).