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School board seeks community input in search for superintendent
If you were picking a new school superintendent, what qualities and qualifications do you think are important?That’s what county school board members want to know. And they will soon be distributing a survey form so that parents, teachers, students, and other residents can give their thoughts on the issue.
“That’s our first and most immediate step,” chairman Robina Rich Bouffault (White Post District) said.
The survey was recommended to board members by the Virginia School Boards Association when they met last week to begin the process of soliciting and evaluating applicants for the post. The board is paying VSBA $5,000, plus an estimated $500 to $1,000 in travel, advertising, and mailing expenses, to help with the nationwide search process.
“They say it’s a really, really good tool to use,” said member Emily Rhodes (Buckmarsh District).
Rhodes added that she’s excited about getting the process underway, noting the board wants to put surveys in public places such as the library, county offices, schools, businesses, and on its website.
The deadline for returning surveys is April 21, which is when the school board will have a public hearing. Applicants will have until May 23 to submit their credentials for the post.
According to VSBA officials, the search will be considered successful if between 15 and 35 applications are received. The applicants' qualifications will be determined by what the public deems important, as well as by what is professionally required to hold the job.
Both Bouffault and Rhodes said they want to get as much public input as possible.
The search time-line calls for board members to meet again with VSBA again on May 27, interview candidates in June, and announce their choice for superintendent in July.
“That’s a hopeful affirmation that we’ll find someone,” Bouffault said.
Acting Superintendent John Taylor has said that he agreed to serve only until June 30. Former superintendent Eleanor F. Smalley left the post last December.
Contact the reporter at rmarlow@timespapers.com
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