Press reset button on superintendent search
The Seminole County
Schools superintendent selection process has generated much controversy.
An assortment of negative adjectives has been used to describe the process: botched, flawed, shameful and the like.
Some believe district officials had someone they wanted already picked out.
The process leaves me both disillusioned and somewhat troubled. I find many aspects of the selection process to be inconsistent, if not contradictory. For example:
■ There was a national search, yet all five finalists were local. (They are employed by the school district of either Seminole, Orange, or Lake county.)
■ Several school board members spoke of looking at their choice through the lens of the district’s survey. The stakeholder findings indicate a clear preference: “Educator first. Administrator second.” Yet, in the end, this did not appear to matter.
■ The eligibility requirements included a minimum of 10 years of executive, administrative or supervisory experience. But many are skeptical whether both individuals who were interviewed adequately met that qualification.
■ Both interviewed finalists were described as excellent and having very aligned responses, yet changing the final selection was considered essential.
Many observers thought the school board member who changed her vote spoke more effusively of the individual who was ultimately not her pick.
■ The school board member who called for a reconsideration of the vote asserted their choice should be unanimous or at least by a supermajority. Nevertheless, the determination was made by a simple 3-2 vote reversal.
What do Seminole County educators say? By and large, they are embarrassed by the process. Although some applaud the outcome, most appear to lack any enthusiasm and are certainly not energized.
Many don’t believe they will have a superintendent who understands what it’s like to be in their classroom shoes. The district office is simply another layer
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of bureaucracy with which to contend.
There is also the sense that the process is not quite over. Possible lawsuits still linger.
The district’s focus needs to be on moving forward — and certainly, on its students.
Unfortunately, attention has been diverted from student learning to doubts about district leadership. The process has left a bitter taste with many and either of the two finalists would have started the position under a cloud. No matter what is desired, that cloud is not going to disappear anytime soon.
Although school board members and district officials are most complimentary of the newly selected superintendent, many still ask if what has transpired is the best that Seminole County can do. Is the most qualified professional willing to be the superintendent of Seminole County Schools, an A-rated school district, its own executive director of legal Services — a school board attorney who manages a department of five staff members?
In January, I suggested that the school board re-advertise the position. Albeit more complicated now, I still advance that position.
The district’s present path might afford stability, but taking another look offers the district a greater possibility of fresh perspective, decreased community polarization, and increased student (rather than leadership) focus and success.
Seminole County School Board members have demonstrated their belief that the selection of a superintendent can be redone. If they really believe this; they can certainly do it again. The School Board should begin its search anew.