In the search for its next superintendent, USD 250 is looking for an experienced leader with an open administrative style, officials said.
The specific qualifications for the job were approved by the USD 250 Board of Education Thursday morning after meeting with Howard Smith, assistant to the president at Pittsburg State University and a former interim superintendent for USD 250 who is leading a steering committee that will assist in gathering applications and selecting candidates for the board of education's consideration. Smith said the qualifications were developed after two meetings of the steering committee, which is made up of approximately 18 community members, including BOE members, USD 250 staff and representatives of the local community.
At Thursday's meeting, Smith told the BOE that the committee members agreed that the next superintendent needs to have district-level administrative experience.
"Throughout this process, it was an interesting discussion because experience always seemed to come back up," he said. "In order to carry out the things that need done, you need someone who has done this and someone who has experience in the different aspects probably has more potential to be that person."
Smith said the committee would prefer the next superintendent to have more administrative experience than just at a building level because of the "complexities" of the superintendent job. He also said experience in the business and financial aspect of the administrative position is important. A minimum of three years of district level experience is required.
Among the nine specific qualifications approved by the board are:
• A district leader experienced in business and finance who also possesses skills in the areas of legislative relations, human resources, facilities and curriculum.
• An experienced leader who can unify the staff, faculty, and community in a collaborative atmosphere through consensus building in a climate of mutual trust, openness and cooperation.
• An effective leader who sets clear directions, delegates authority, and trusts professionals to accomplish the district's mission without excessive oversight.
• A leader with high expectations for student achievement and behavior in addition to being a strong advocate for all children, including those with cultural and language differences.
Robin Dexter has served the district as interim superintendent since July 1. The former assistant superintendent, Dexter moved into the top spot after Gary Price retired from the post. Dexter said she has enjoyed her time as the top administrator and plans to apply to remain in the position.
"It's been fun and I've learned a lot," she said earlier this month. "I really feel comfortable in being able to do the job."
Screening for superintendent candidates will begin Jan. 2, 2009 with interviews beginning Jan. 12. Smith said at a previous BOE meeting that he expects the superintendent to be chosen by the end of January. Whoever is chosen will begin on July 1, 2009.
PITTSBURG —
