Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
The school board approved the specifications and qualities that the school community wants to see in the next superintendent. DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Education last week voted unanimously to approve the specifications and qualities that the school community wants to see in the next superintendent. The board previously partnered with Long Island, N.Y.-based firm School Leadership LLC to help facilitate the search for a permanent superintendent to replace Dr. Alan Addley, who retired at the end of last school year. Dr. Eric Byrne is currently serving on an interim basis. Rina Beder and Martin Brooks from School Leadership LLC gave a brief presentation to the board at last week's regularly scheduled meeting to go over the results of numerous community forums and focus groups that were conducted in mid-September with the Darien community to gather input on the desired qualities for the next superintendent. Beder and Brooks met with various stakeholders, including Byrne, central office staff, department chairs, principals, teaching staff, union leadership, PTO leadership, athletic representatives, BOE members, search committee members, elected town officials, and more, to gather feedback. An online survey was also released and garnered 538 responses. "The community input was robust. We were really pleased to see that we had 538 survey responses, which is a very robust and significant number in our experience," Beder said. "We want to thank everybody with whom we met... The board should be commended as well. You set in place a process that gave voice to so many folks who were appreciative of having that. It communicated, I think, a shift in culture that people commented to us on," Brooks added. "Many folks talked to us about feeling hopeful." According to the survey results, 60.59 percent of respondents felt prior experience in being a leader in improving an already high-performing school district was most critical, followed by 43.68 percent who felt past experience as a superintendent of schools was the most important. Nearly 37 percent of people felt having experience as a classroom teacher was paramount. Additionally, 56.51 percent said having curriculum and instructional knowledge, and leadership should be the most important skills to have for the next superintendent. A little over 48 percent said having knowledge of budgeting, finance and facility planning was the most important skill, while 39.41 percent said the most important skill should be being collaborative and successful at building highly productive teams. School Leadership LLC developed the specifications for the next superintendent based on the focus group work and forums. The following specifications will be used in the search. A new superintendent should be an inspirational, strategic and innovative leader who: Sets high standards, holds self and others accountable, and is committed to maximizing the potential of every student. Possesses a deep understanding of how curriculum, instruction, and assessment combine to enhance student learning. Leads with confidence, conviction, courage, and integrity. Communicates clearly, honestly, and transparently with all segments of the school and broader community. Is visible and accessible in the district's schools and collaborates with and values the voice of stakeholders. Proactively and strategically addresses concerns before and as they arise. Skillfully manages the district's finances, effectively utilizes and deploys resources, and develops and sustains productive partnerships with local and state officials. Is excited about working in Darien and is committed to developing a shared vision for the future that builds upon the district's longstanding commitment to excellence. The school board members praised the work of School Leadership LLC and the process it used to gather feedback. "I think this is a really valuable exercise for the community," said board member Kadiatu Lublin. "I'm really glad we have such a wonderful community that's willing to engage in these conversations with us, and I look forward to what's to come." Board Chair Jill McCammon said it was "really critical" that the participation was high. "We do pride this community on engagement in general, but there was a significant amount of engagement in this process in particular," she noted. "I hope that as a result, the specifications in front of us are particularly powerful." McCammon said the board will be in communication with School Leadership LLC about next steps in the search process. The Oct. 14 Darien Board of Education meeting is available to watch on the Darien Public Schools YouTube channel.
