Base pay for the chosen person, who will oversee more than 1,650 teachers and support staff, “is expected to be $155,000 to $180,000 but is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications,” according to the district’s announcement.
After Superintendent Karen Mantia was granted medical leave from the position in late August, as first reported by this media outlet, Assistant Superintendent Robb Vogelmann was named acting superintendent. Mantia was in the final year of her contract.
The firm of K-12 Business Consulting, based in the Columbus suburb of New Albany, is helping the district with the search. Applications are due Jan. 13, and school officials want the person to take office on or before Aug. 1.
The district's board of education asked residents for their input on what they wanted in the next superintendent. Feedback came from 13 meetings and questionnaires that more than 150 people filled out.
Experience as a superintendent and holding of a doctoral degree are both preferred but not required.
Aside from someone with high personal and professional standards — along with integrity and high ethical standards — here are some of the qualities the announcement states are sought in the district’s next leader:
- "Visionary and innovative skills along with an ability to create and articulate a vision with input from internal and external stakeholders," along with the ability to implement such plans;
- A chief executive "who will keep the board fully informed and current with matters about the schools, one who will forge a strong partnership based on mutual trust and respect and can unify district leadership;"
- Someone willing "to become an active and contributing member of the school community and be comfortable with high visibility in the schools and the community while being accessible;"
- A good spokesperson who can "publicly celebrate and market the successes of the school district, and instill trust and unity in the community and at all staff levels by being approachable and collaborative"; and
- A decisive educator with a strong background in building student achievement, who can develop and support teachers and administrators, who can improve the district's state report card and student performance, and also "finds satisfaction in the success of others."
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