Schools

17 Superintendent Applicants So Far

The firm tasked with hunting for someone to replace Fox Point-Bayside Superintendent Rachel Boechler is ready to start screening candidates, using characteristics developed by the community to guide the process

The firm tasked with hunting for new candidates to fill the shoes of leaving Fox Point-Bayside Superintendent Rachel Boechler is ready to begin the process of screening candidates.

Illinois-based consulting firm, Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, met with community members and district staff earlier this month to explore what they would like to see in the person who replaces Boechler. 

Kim Perkins said his firm has fielded 17 applicants for Fox Point-Bayside superintendent, and he expects a big boost in interest over holiday breaks. 

Find out what's happening in Fox Point-Baysidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When asked by a resident if he felt the pool of candidates is watered down, with several districts in the state seeking new school chiefs, Perkins said the education field isn't as appealing as it once was, but Fox Point-Bayside is an attractive place to be, and he sees there being a lot of interest.

Next, is the start the screening process. Part of that, Perkins said, will be matching candidates against the list of eight consistent characteristics which emerged from focus groups — interviews with 71 employees and community members, and 159 responses to an online survey. 

Find out what's happening in Fox Point-Baysidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the input process, Perkins said, stakeholders were clear about their desire for a school chief who can restore trust and provide meaningful, two-way communication and clear direction and leadership. 

According to an executive summary, the eight consistent characteristics are:

  • Collaborative and consultative
  • Communication skills (verbal, written, listening)
  • Empowers, inspires and motivates staff
  • Financial skills
  • Knowledgeable in curriculum, instruction and technology
  • Personable, compassionate, empathetic, relatable
  • Strong, confident, engaging leader
  • Visible and accessible


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