Transparency and public input are key

Contact: Lisa Deffendall • First Posted: Thursday, March 24, 2011

Finding a strong leader with a proven track record of moving a district forward will be a top priority in the search for the next superintendent, Fayette County Board of Education members agreed Thursday night.

Board members worked independently to develop a list of characteristics for the next schools chief, but in sharing their lists, each of their first comments focused on students.  Board members then worked to reach consensus about top traits, which will be used in combination with community input to develop a profile of the ideal candidate.

“Clearly the board focus is on our students as our first comments all centered on students,” said Board Chairman John Price.

In their first discussion with the firm hired to recruit Fayette’s next superintendent, board members also began crafting a timeline for the search process.

Consistent with the board’s commitment to community involvement and transparency, there will be multiple opportunities for public input before a new superintendent is named.

During the week of April 18, several focus group sessions and public forums will be held to gather community ideas to guide the recruitment and selection of the next superintendent.  Those who cannot attend a meeting will be invited to submit responses through an online survey.  Everything shared during those sessions and surveys will be submitted to the board.

“When we’re done, we don’t want anyone to say that they didn’t have an opportunity to be heard,” said Thomas Jacobson, who along with Loe Dunn represented McPherson & Jacobson at Thursday’s meeting.

Applications for the post will be accepted through May 16.  Candidates will then be vetted and screened by the search firm and elected members of the Superintendent Screening Committee. On May 31, board members will meet with the committee to receive a slate of finalists.

During the week of June 6, finalists will be invited to Lexington for interviews and public meet and greet sessions. Throughout the day, finalists will meet with employee and community representatives, who will be invited to submit their observations of the different candidates.  There will also be a community forum where candidates will answer questions submitted by those in attendance.

“We were very pleased with the search firm’s willingness to meet with all of our stakeholders to gather the community input we need to attract and select the very best leader to serve our students,” Price said.