The search firm helping MCPS find a new superintendent says it has boiled down almost 1,000 pieces of community input into six “desired characteristics” the new hire should have:
- 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
The school system released the 47-page “Former Superintendent Joshua Starr resigned from the position in February once it became clear that a majority of Board of Education members wouldn’t support renewing his contract, which was up this summer.
Little has been made public about why Board of Education members were opposed to Starr continuing as superintendent, as preliminary deliberations were held in closed-door sessions.
The search firm collected feedback from 978 people, including parents, students, staff and other community members from focus groups, a series of community forums, online surveys and individual interviews.
The achievement gap, economic disparities and inequities, communication and transparency and testing were recognized as some of the school system’s poor qualities.
The Board expects to have a new superintendent in place by July 1. The search firm is still accepting applications.
