selects new Superintendent
December 19, 2003
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Bridgewater-Raynham Schools
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USA
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
In a surprise move on 12/17, the School Comm. offered the position of Superintendent to current Asst. School Supt. Robert McIntyre. Current Supt. Gerhart had previously announced his retirement at the end of the currect chool year. It is unheard of - see if you can find one example - for a search not to take place.
An interesting parallel is the school calendar. Time is devoted at three School Comm Meetings to review, discuss and revise the annual calendar for half-days, holidays, etc... However, the choice of a new Supt. was handled in one meeting. This does not show that a lot of thought went into the process. The School Comm is obviously more concerned with when there are half-days than in the person who will lead the district for the next several years.
Most any other school system, upon the announcement that a Supt is leaving, begins a several month process to determine the needs of the system for the next several years. This is typically done through forums with teachers, parents and administrators, in conjunction with the school comm. From this, a plan is created for the next several years for the school system. The plan then documents the required qualifications for a new Supt. It is at this point, after a comprehensive analysis, that interviews can begin; ultimately resulting in offering the position to the best qualified person.
The B-R School Comm. chose someone without considering anyone else.
