16 Dec 2004
Trustees Hope To Make Selection by April 2005
DALLAS—Dallas Independent School District Trustees on Tuesday approved the 10-point criteria that will be used to select the next general superintendent for students in the nation's 12th largest school district.
During a called Committee of the Whole and called board meeting, trustees discussed the recommendations received from various chambers of commerce, business organizations, civic groups and its own 32-member advisory committee. The advisory committee received input from citizens who made their opinions known through the district's on-line survey and seven community forums held throughout the city.
Trustees agreed that DISD's next superintendent should:
• Have a proven record in an urban district
• Be a skilled, innovative leader with a track record of "closing the achievement gap" and increasing academic achievement; be committed to all students, including Limited English Proficient, special education and other disadvantaged student populations
• Be an effective manager committed to strategic planning and accountability
• Be a visible leader who promotes district and community harmony
• Have strong communication skills
• Have a willingness to commit to provide continuity and stability over a long-term period
• Have strong fiscal acumen
• Be a problem solver and bridge builder
• Be able to establish and maintain a productive working relationship with the Board
• Have an understanding of technology applications for educational uses.
The nine-member board also set an application deadline for the general superintendent's position of Feb. 22, 2005. Candidates' interviews should be completed in March, and an announcement of the appointment made in April.
"We are excited to be this far along in the process," said DISD Board President Lois Parrott. "We feel assured that the criteria adopted through community input will provide us with a road map to success in finding the right person to help lead our district."
In their presentation, trustees said they would particularly be giving special attention to candidates who have "successful superintendent experience with backgrounds in similar environments as DISD."
Those interested in applying for the nationally-advertised position should send their materials to: Ruth Love, President, RBL Enterprises, Ltd., 1300 Clay Street, Suite 600, Oakland, CA 94612. Telephone: 510-622-7707; Fax: 510-464-8001; email: rblenterprises@aol.com.
VACANCY
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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INTRODUCTION
The Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees is interested in attracting a proven educational leader with a record as a top-level executive. A doctorate degree is preferred. The successful candidate must believe that ALL children can learn and that EVERY student is important. The educational leader must be able to implement strategies and programs that will significantly improve education in Dallas. The successful candidate will possess the following characteristics:
• PROVEN RECORD IN AN URBAN DISTRICT
The superintendent will have a proven track record in an urban school district with a strong academic background and substantial administrative/leadership experience. Special attention will be given to candidates with successful superintendent experience with backgrounds in similar environments as DISD.
• A SKILLED, INNOVATIVE LEADER WITH A TRACK RECORD OF "CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP" AND INCREASING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT; COMMITTED TO ALL STUDENTS, INCLUDING LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT, SPECIAL EDUCATION AND OTHER DISADVANTAGED STUDENT POPULATIONS
The superintendent will serve as the educational leader of the school system and the community by unifying various school and community groups, resulting in trust, confidence, and strong support for the schools. The individual will have a proven record of increasing achievement of all students and closing the achievement gap. The leader will be committed to increasing school attendance and reducing the dropout rate.
The successful leader should be innovative with documented experience in implementing an effective instructional program that will move the district to one of the top urban systems in the nation. Experience as a teacher and administrator is preferred.
• AN EFFECTIVE MANAGER COMMITTED TO STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of achievement with strategic planning and evaluation and will exhibit competence in utilizing data to assess and direct the effective implementation of the strategic plan. His/her educational philosophy and vision for public education can be clearly articulated to others. He/she will manifest skills in delegating authority and holding subordinates accountable. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to the principles of shared decision making to the extent possible and practical.
• A VISIBLE LEADER WHO PROMOTES DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY HARMONY
The superintendent must be a team builder who is very visible in the schools and the community, and who will unify the district under the direction of the district's strategic plan and covenants. The superintendent will possess the "people skills" necessary to work harmoniously with the Board of Trustees and other relevant organizations, agencies, and the private sector. The successful candidate will work to develop and value a diverse workforce and will ensure that all children are treated equitably. He/she will have experience in working with employee organizations.
• STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The superintendent will effectively communicate to all segments of the community and will be a champion of public education. The appointed superintendent will possess the ability to communicate effectively with bilingual and bicultural populations. The individual will demonstrate diplomacy and will be accessible to community members and staff. The superintendent will be a leader who is skilled in human relations and who actively listens, assimilates ideas, and takes appropriate action.
• LONG-TERM STABILITY AND COMMITMENT
The superintendent will have exemplary leadership skills and a willingness to commit to providing continuity and stability over a long-term period. He/she will be a person who is willing to honor a long-term contract.
• STRONG FISCAL ACUMEN
The superintendent will be an individual who understands the funding challenges of public education and has the skills necessary to educate the community, government agencies and the private sector about the financial needs of DISD. The superintendent will be able to work effectively with the Board of Trustees, staff, and community to determine the equitable allocation of resources during various economic cycles.
• A PROBLEM SOLVER AND BRIDGE BUILDER
The superintendent will coordinate the resources of the community and the school system to identify problems and work cooperatively toward their solutions. He/she will be sensitive to all areas of the district, thus maintaining equity among schools in all areas of the district.
• BOARD RELATIONS
The superintendent will have the ability and commitment to establish and maintain a productive working relationship with a dynamic policymaking Board of Trustees.
• TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION
The superintendent will demonstrate an understanding of effective application of technology to support effective instruction and management. He/she will have documented ability in using and analyzing data for systems improvement in various aspects of the district.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
The superintendent will be one who is approachable and respected by school personnel and community members. He/she will maintain a sense of humor and a positive demeanor. The superintendent will be a good listener who can accept and profit from constructive criticism, share success with others, process individual and community concerns, and exhibit passion for improving teaching and learning.
The superintendent will be known for honesty, integrity, courage, warmth, and self-confidence. He/she shall possess the capacity to maintain stability under pressure, be flexible, have sound judgment, be student centered, have the desire and ingenuity for ALL students to succeed and can set high standards for staff performance while maintaining positive morale.