Board discusses superintendent search and community engagement plan

(November 2, 2016) - The SF Board of Education met with consultants from the Leadership Associates Executive Search Firm to discuss the search for the next SFUSD Superintendent.

The Board and consultants reviewed an engagement plan and discussed other phases of the recruitment and hiring process, including recruitment of a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates, reference checking, and the interview process.

Consultants will facilitate a series of multilingual Community Input Sessions and Open Forums and then compile a report of comments received during these input sessions. These comments will be shared with the Board and used to develop a formal Superintendent position description.

"We want to hear from students, staff, parents, and community members about their desired qualities and characteristics for the next superintendent and to share their thoughts on district strengths and challenges," said Board president Matt Haney. "The Board is committed to finding a superintendent who shares our district's values and vision while also bringing the expertise necessary to take our district to the next level."

The Board and consultants agreed that every effort will be made throughout the search process to solicit perspectives from a variety of individuals and groups while protecting the confidentiality of the search. It is the practice of Leadership Associates that the names of the applicants are not shared publicly during the search process. The reason for the confidential process is to allow for the recruitment of effective educational leaders including sitting superintendents, who are highly successful and well respected in their school districts and communities. Many successful superintendents are reluctant or unwilling to apply for positions where their application is publicly announced prior to the Board determining a finalist.

Leadership Associates has conducted over 350 superintendent searches including districts with similar demographics and funding as SFUSD's. They will recruit candidates from the region, state, and nationally, to assist the Board in developing a broad field of candidates, so the Board can select the best match for the District.

Check the San Francisco Unified School District website after November 14 for times and locations of forums and to participate in the superintendent search survey. Opportunities will be provided for individuals to contact the consultants via e-mail or phone if they are unable to attend an input session or forum, or would like to provide additional information.

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Page updated on 11/02/16