The Fulton County school board has released the results of a survey aimed at guiding the board in selecting the district's next superintendent.
Survey respondents indicated they preferred a candidate with teaching and school leadership experience, and prior experience as a superintendent is desired. The next superintendent also should be honest, ethical and visionary while also being a problem-solver and strong communicator, according to survey results.
In addition, a visible leadership style that is accessible to teachers, parents and other stakeholders ranked as the most desired skill followed by flexibility and comfort with change and innovative practices. Instructional and curricular expertise as well as communication and public relations skills also ranked high on the list of desired abilities.
Fulton school board members recently launched a national search for a new superintendent to replace Robert Avossa, who stepped down last year to take a superintendent job in Florida. Board members say they aren't ruling out the interim replacement Kenneth Zeff as a major contender despite his lack of experience educating children.
With the survey results in hand, a leadership profile will be created and used to identify top candidates. The district’s law firm, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, is managing the search process and will solicit candidates through a number of search firms. It also will request applicants through national advertisements and notices to state and national school leadership associations.
The survey was available throughout December and garnered 1,665 responses. The majority of respondents were parents (63%) and school system employees (38%). The survey asked questions about the district’s performance and priorities as well as the superintendent candidate’s desired professional background, skills and traits.
The school board expects to have a permanent superintendent named by this summer. Fulton is the fourth-largest school system in Georgia, with approximately 96,000 students and 101 schools.
About the Author
