Superintendent Search

CECIL Proposed Timeline

  • Bold - Cecil County Board of Education participants

    Click here to access the brochure

    Purpose

    Plan and execute a search process that is thoughtful, responsive, and fair 
    Minimize the possibility of legal challenges as a result of procedural flaws
    Identify the best leader for your school system

    Key Elements of a Successful Search

    • Confidentiality
    • Public Relations
      • Transparency
      • Identified spokesperson
    • Candidate Applications
      • Custodial Responsibility
      • Board Member Access
    • Board's Role
      • Characteristics/Parameters
      • Control of the Process

    Phase I: Planning the Search

    • Identify the criteria to be used in the intial screening process (B)
    • Identify the desirable characteristics of the future superintendent (B)
    • Ensure public input at key stages in the process (gathering characteristics; meeting candidates) (B/C)
    • Discuss and establish confidentiality protocols (B/C)
    • Decide who will speak for the Board (B)
    • Develop a promotional brochure that will:
      • Describe community demographics
      • Provide an overview of the district and its outstanding features
      • List the selection criteria to be used
      • Describe the selection process
      • Outline the selection process timeline (B/S)
    • Develop an Announcement of Vacancy for advertising purposes (B/S)

    Phase II: Advertising and Recruitment

    • Establish a timeline for conducting search (B/C)
    • Develop an application form that reflects criteria established by the Board (c)
    • Advertise the position through appropriate media, local school districts, and professional assocations (c)
    • Send brochures and application forms to interested applicants (c)

    Phase III: Screening and Selecting Candidates

    • Review all completed applicant files based on criteria and characteristics established by the board (c)
    • Verify Maryland certification status of applicants (C)
    • Review all selections of applicant files including cover letter, application, resume, reference letters, and narratives (B/C)
    • Conduct first-round reference checks and initial internet search for all applicants (C)
    • Identify the top candidates (6-8) for initial interview (B/C)
    • Establish an interview schedule and contact candidates (c)
    • Develop interview questions to be asked of all candidates in initial interviews (B/C)

    Phase IV: Selecting the New Superintendent

    • Conduct initial structured interviews (B)
    • Compile results and use the ratings and other observations to identify applicants for second interviews (B)
    • Conduct additional reference checks through personal contact with named references and continue Internet searches (C)
    • Conduct second round of open-ended interviews to determine "Best Fit" (B)
    • Identify the finalists (B)
    • Continue reference checks beyond those names given by applicants, expand internet searches, and have comprehensive background checks completed (C)
    • Invite each candidate to spend a day in the district to meet staff, students, parents, and community, and solicit written feedback (C)

    Phase V: Appointing the New Superintendent

    • Review all information on each finalist and rank order them
    • Confer with state superintendent of schools
    • Contact top candidate to determine availability
    • Negotiate with candidate
    • Meet in public session to formalize appointment
    • Send out appropriate press releases and other notifications of appointment
    • Execute the formal contract with advice of counsel

  • State Certification - COMAR 13A.12.04.03

    1. Have a master's degree from an IHE;
    2. Three years of satisfactory teaching experience and two years of satisfactory administrative or supervisory experience in a PreK-12 school setting;
    3. Submit a minimum of 24 credits of post-master, graduate coursework in educational administration and supervision to include a balance of coursework in the following:
      1. Developing and Articulating a Shared Vision;
      2. Organizational Management;
      3. Promoting and Maintaining a Positive School Culture and Instructional Program for Learning
      4. Demonstrating Values and Ethics of Leadership
      5. Collaboration with Diverse Stakeholders
    4. A Superintendent who enters Maryland from another state may obtain supertendent certification if the superintendent held a valid professional state certification and presents verification of at least 27 months of satisfactory performance as a superintendent during the past 7 years on the basis of which application is being made for a like or comparable Maryland certificate.