[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Superintendents on Parade

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Superintendents on Parade
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1227929378.shtml


   Two large public school districts, Robbinsdale (281) and
   Anoka-Hennepin (11) need new Superintendents starting July 1, 2009.
   Both have begun the process, seemingly the same process:
     * Hire a consultant
     * Tell them what you want
     * Review their findings
     * Interview the top candidates
     * Score them on criteria
     * Negotiate a contract, starting with the top scorer on down until
       one accepts.

   I have a question: does this process really work, given the
   constrained pool of applicants?
   Let me ask this another way. In how many districts would the parents
   largely say that the Superintendent was a great hire, doing a terrific
   job? From what I've read, I don't think that's a long list. The list
   of the unhappy is likely longer, much longer. Even in [1]Eden Prairie,
   there is a petition asking the Board to only grant a one year contract
   extension to its incumbent.
   I mean no disrespect, here. I doubt private industry does much better
   in hiring Chief Executive Officers. What I'm asking is, does a
   Superintendent really have the power to make the difference that the
   selection process seems to think is possible? Or do regulations and
   finances limit that, so that while a bad choice can do significant
   damage, a good choice can't really excel?
   If there is one characteristic that both matters and varies greatly,
   I'd say it's communications, with the staff, parents, students,
   taxpayers, and the media.

References

   1. http://www.startribune.com/local/west/35165329.html?elr=KArksUUUU