Summary of Key Desirable Attributes for
a New Superintendent
Results of 36 One-on-One Interviews with Principals, Assistant
Principals,
Central Office Directors, and a Superintendent Executive Assistant
July 2008 – October 2008
Communication and
Community Relations
- Clear
and compelling communicator (interacting with individuals and groups,
media, and in writing)
- Great
listener with community and others
- Willingness
to learn from others as well as keep everyone informed
- Advocate
for strong, appropriate parent and community (including staff, students,
and non-parent citizens) involvement
- Ability
to work independently and with the city to market PPS and Portland
- Ability
to work effectively with decision makers in Augusta
- Strong
interpersonal skills, political savvy, and sense of humor
- Ability
to work under pressure and public scrutiny
General Experience
- Understanding
of the issues PPS faces
- Strategic
vision and skills for building upon PPS’s and Portland’s unique strengths
and move us toward being the best school system in the state
- Experience
in managing and reforming an urban district
- Deep
understanding of current research about educational best practices and
structures and a plan for actualizing these practices and structures
- Teaching
experience
- Understanding
of curriculum development and implementation processes, and consideration
of consistency and equity across schools
- Experience
in equity of programming
- Deep
knowledge of and experience with ELL, special education, and other
disadvantaged populations and ways to address underachievement
- Understanding
of racial issues and cultural issues
- Commitment
to adult education
- Former
or current experience as a superintendent
- Understanding
of workload and expectations
- Familiarity
with Maine assessments
- Understanding
of issues around school choice
- Commitment
to clear, appropriate policies and procedures, and enforcement
- Experience
in forming business and school partnerships
- Advocate
for children, not just finances
- Strong
content knowledge
- Supports
professional development
- Comprehensive,
long-term plan for technology-start at secondary and work down
- Knowledge
of vocational schools
- Knowledge
of construction process (e.g., has overseen the building of a new school)
Business Skills
- Fiscally
competent, with business and accounting experience (and/or willing to
improve skills)
- Ability
to focus on important questions and pursue answers
- Ability
to lead while addressing critical short-term issues
- Advocate
for a systems approach and comprehensive planning
- Analytical
- Knowledge
and experience in human resources issues
- Willingness
to understand, review, and improve Central Office structure and processes
- Experience
in negotiations of union contracts, focusing on the interests of the
school district
- Comfortable
with issues regarding grants and contracts
- Experience
hiring and supporting existing staff who offer strong skills,
complementing of supplementing those of the superintendent
- Advocate
for encouraging and supporting leadership among staff and administrators
- Willingness
to visit schools to experience how they are run
- Knowledge
and experience maximizing school district resources under financial
constraints
- Advocate
for site-based management
Management Style
- Effective
leader who delegates appropriately to other administrators with adequate
support, avoiding micromanagement
- Fresh
perspectives and an open mind, not beholden to traditional approaches and
structures
- Focus
on results and accountability
- Resolves
issues within a reasonable time, following up and able to say they will
get back to you if they do not know the answer
- Consistent
and clear communication of school district priorities, approaches, and
decisions
- Proactive
approach, not solely reactive
- Confident
and energetic, acting as a role model with the ability to motivate
- Ability
to provide honest, reasoned input and feedback
- Effective
use of staff and managers with the skills to address issues
- Managerial
courage to tackle difficult issues and implement decisions
- Respectful
of all staff and students
- Focus
on safety and health, providing a safe learning and work environment
Miscellaneous
- Sincere
interest in PPS, rather than seeking the position as a stepping stone
- Have a
recognition program like the city does (employee of the qtr/month)
- Do not
micromanage