Desired characteristics for superintendent developed

The Montgomery County Board of Education has released a report on the desired characteristics that community members and stakeholders would like to see in the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), the search firm that is assisting the Board in the superintendent search, collected feedback from approximately 978 individuals, including parents, students, staff and community members. Over the last few weeks, HYA gathered input through a variety of methods, including focus groups, community forums, online surveys and individual interviews.

“The data and information in this report will assist the Board of Education as we go through the superintendent selection process,” said Board President Patricia O’Neill. “I want to thank our students, parents, staff and community members for being a part of this important process.”

According to the report developed by HYA, members of the MCPS community desire that the new superintendent possess several key characteristics, including:

• A collaborative administrative style
• Effective communication skills
• Evidence of being culturally aware, culturally responsive, and valuing diversity
• The ability to narrow the achievement gap
• Educational experiences as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator
• Respect for, and appreciation of, teachers and staff

In the report, members of the MCPS community identified community engagement, stakeholder diversity, teachers, and curriculum options and academic opportunities as some of the top strengths of the district. Stakeholders also shared their thoughts on a number of challenges and issues they believe the district is currently facing, including the achievement gap, economic disparities and inequities, communication and transparency, and testing.

HYA is currently accepting applications for the superintendent’s position. Based on the feedback received from the community, the Board of Education has developed a set of desired characteristics that will be used as they review candidates for the position. The Board of Education expects to have a new superintendent of schools in place by July 1, 2015.

Summary of Desired Characteristics

Leadership Profile Report

Superintendent Search Website