Superintendent Search
CECIL Proposed Timeline
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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 systemKey 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
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State Certification - COMAR 13A.12.04.03
- Have a master's degree from an IHE;
- Three years of satisfactory teaching experience and two years of satisfactory administrative or supervisory experience in a PreK-12 school setting;
- 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:
- Developing and Articulating a Shared Vision;
- Organizational Management;
- Promoting and Maintaining a Positive School Culture and Instructional Program for Learning
- Demonstrating Values and Ethics of Leadership
- Collaboration with Diverse Stakeholders
- 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.