The newly elected Douglas County School District (DCSC) Board of Education has wasted no time getting to work on behalf of its 68,000 public school students. In December board members answered a loud call from those who elected them by voting unanimously to end the Choice Scholarship voucher program that would have used public funds to support private schools.
At the end of January, the board signaled its intent to continue listening to the community by inviting families and community members to share thoughts on the qualities they hope the next permanant superintendent brings to the district. The district’s search firm held community input meetings and released an online survey to gather community feedback.
The survey results alone showed more than 3,000 educators, administrators, support staff, parents, students, business leaders and non-parent community members sharing their thoughts and opinions. After reviewing the survey results as well as feedback from those who attended input meetings, the board revealed the following list of qualities that the community would most like the new superintendent to possess. As the board moves forward searching for a permanent leader, the ideal candidate is likely to be someone who:
- Promotes a positive and professional environment that includes mutual trust and respect among district employees and the board.
- Is strongly committed to a “student first” philosophy in all decisions.
- Possesses excellent people skills and can present a positive image of the district; is willing to listen to input and is a decision maker.
- Inspires trust, have high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance.
- Has experience recruiting and maintaining exceptional staff for the district and schools.
- Has experience as a classroom teacher or student support position in a school.
- Is a strong communicator: speaking, listening and writing.
- Has previous experience that will benefit the long-term financial health of the district, including successful experience in passing bond or mill levy increases.
- Can develop and communicate a vision of quality education for the future of the board, staff, and community.
- Has knowledge of emerging research and best practice in the areas of curriculum/instructional design and practice.
If you or someone you know is interested in leading the DCSD, you can apply here. Applications will be accepted through March 12, 2018.
We’ll be keeping up with the search from the time finalists are revealed in April until the ideal candidate is selected. Is there a particular issue you hope to see the next superintendent prioritize based on your personal experience? Tell us about it here on CO School Talk. Share your story!