Princeton Seeks ‘Visionary Leader’ As Next School Superintendent

PRINCETON, NJ — After Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, Princeton Public School district released a list of qualities community members identified as important for the next school Superintendent.

The school district had asked the public's help in choosing the next Superintendent of Schools. They invited comment and suggestions through an online survey, that was open till Oct. 4.

An overwhelming number of community members said they expect the new Superintendent to be a "visionary leader" who is "personable, transparent, approachable."

They want someone who is able to understand the "effects demographic shifts have on schools and academic environments."

The findings from the survey, the open forums, and focus group conversations was used to develop the new Superintendent profile.

School Exec Connect, an educational search firm, has been appointed by the Board to assist in the search.

Kevin O’Mara, search consultant at School Exec Connect presented the finding to the Board on Tuesday. He said the profile reflects the wishes of the community and suggested the Board use it when screening candidates for the job.

Here’s what the Princeton community identified as important qualities the next Superintendent needs to possess:

• Is highly visible, personable, transparent, approachable, accessible and open-minded.
• Is an outstanding visionary leader who can inspire and empower others; leads in the development of long-range planning to maintain a high level of academic and operational success of the district
• Has understanding of the equity issues facing the Princeton community and has experience dealing with equity issues in school/community settings
• Is understanding of the effects demographic shifts have on schools and academic environments
• Is able to empower staff members with targeted professional development to deal with the issue of changing demographics and enrollments
• Is understanding of school finance and is able to plan appropriately
• Is a team-builder with high expectations who holds people accountable, yet is supportive, collaborative, and trust-building
• Is aware of the need for community involvement; makes the Princeton area their home and part of their fabric
• Is an outstanding communicator who understands the importance of letting families and community members know about the great things happening in the Princeton School District, but also listens to concerns that need to be addressed

The school district is currently being led by Barry Galasso on an interim basis, after Steve Cochrane retired on June 30.

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