Concord School Board Seeks Input With Superintendent Search

CONCORD, NH — The Board of Education in Concord began the public phase of its search for a new school superintendent Tuesday by releasing an online survey and asking for input about some of the traits parents, students, educators, and community members would like to see with potential candidates for SAU 8's top job. The survey was designed by the New England School Development Council, a firm assisting the board in finding a new superintendent. The board is looking for a new superintendent after terminating former School Superintendent Terri Forsten in the wake of the Primo "Howie" Leung teacher-student rape case last year.

Members met with the council two weeks ago, according to Jennifer Patterson, the president of the school board.

"The folks from NESDEC really impressed the board with their commitment to reaching out to the Concord community," Patterson said. "Through this community engagement process, we will hear from stakeholders about the qualities we need to look for in our next superintendent."

The survey, found here, will be live through Feb. 10.

After the survey is complete, the council will be hosting "focus group sessions" in February. Those sessions are designed to obtain more "detailed participant input" about the attributes, experience, and knowledge that the new superintendent should possess, according to Patterson. The groups will also provide an opportunity for participants to identify "immediate tasks which the new superintendent should address."

By the middle of February, the org will present its findings to board members and develop a candidate profile. That profile will then be used by an applicant screening committee of school and community members as well as Tom Croteau and Danielle Smith, both district members of the board of education. Applicants will then be considered by the school board in private and later, public sessions, with finalists.

The board hopes to select a new superintendent in April with a potential start date of July 1.

The council is being paid $17,760 for its work, according to Jack Dunn, the business administrator for SAU 8.

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