[Speed Gibson,
Friday November 28, 2008 at 9:29pm]
Superintendents on Parade
Two large public school districts, Robbinsdale (281) and Anoka-Hennepin (11) need new Superintendents starting July 1, 2009. Both have begun the process, seemingly the same process:
Let me ask this another way. In how many districts would the parents largely say that the Superintendent was a great hire, doing a terrific job? From what I've read, I don't think that's a long list. The list of the unhappy is likely longer, much longer. Even in Eden Prairie, there is a petition asking the Board to only grant a one year contract extension to its incumbent.
I mean no disrespect, here. I doubt private industry does much better in hiring Chief Executive Officers. What I'm asking is, does a Superintendent really have the power to make the difference that the selection process seems to think is possible? Or do regulations and finances limit that, so that while a bad choice can do significant damage, a good choice can't really excel?
If there is one characteristic that both matters and varies greatly, I'd say it's communications, with the staff, parents, students, taxpayers, and the media.
- Hire a consultant
- Tell them what you want
- Review their findings
- Interview the top candidates
- Score them on criteria
- Negotiate a contract, starting with the top scorer on down until one accepts.
Let me ask this another way. In how many districts would the parents largely say that the Superintendent was a great hire, doing a terrific job? From what I've read, I don't think that's a long list. The list of the unhappy is likely longer, much longer. Even in Eden Prairie, there is a petition asking the Board to only grant a one year contract extension to its incumbent.
I mean no disrespect, here. I doubt private industry does much better in hiring Chief Executive Officers. What I'm asking is, does a Superintendent really have the power to make the difference that the selection process seems to think is possible? Or do regulations and finances limit that, so that while a bad choice can do significant damage, a good choice can't really excel?
If there is one characteristic that both matters and varies greatly, I'd say it's communications, with the staff, parents, students, taxpayers, and the media.
I think businesses have it much easier, since their financials are transparent and easily measured. Also, their stakeholders are mainly interested in financials and legal compliance. This gives mgmt a lot of latitude.
Though, I agree that open and continuous communications usually help to calm the angry mob... I really don't understand why a Superintendent needs to have an education background, since 80% of their employees have this qualification... Seems a larger pool of applicants should be considered to ensure the right person is selected.
I agree with Speed though that creating, communicating and helping the community to get behind the balance/plan is what seems to often to be weak. Though here may be a good example.(Mpls PR)
I also agree some with you J., however I am a bit stumped on how to get parents / citizens to stop demanding the school district provide "everything" for "every student". (Plans/MGPPs) It seems to be getting harder for American's to not lobby for "our" special interest. The rationale seems to be that I pay taxes, therefore the Government should offer any programs that I want and I'll put up a fuss if they don't... This gets to be a real problem when trying to control costs in a community school where so many folks have wish lists and can create a disturbance so easily. (ie 1 petition for levy, 1 petition for removal of Superintendent, etc) Only in America...