PPS Superintendent Search Consultants Present Results

From Pelham Public Schools: On Tuesday, May 2, the Pelham Public Schools’ superintendent search consultants, Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, presented the results of the firm’s outreach efforts to the community and District stakeholders regarding the search for the next superintendent.

The consultants, Dr. John Chambers and Debbie Raizes, reported that the level of participation in the information-gathering sessions was higher than is typical in similar-sized districts as Pelham. They said that a total of 163 stakeholders participated in the focus groups, including parents and community leaders, administrators, directors, principals, faculty, support staff and students, and 438 people responded to the online survey.

Overall, the consultants said there is a high level of satisfaction in the district, writing in the executive summary, “This report must note two general agreements that stood out in the interview and survey results – the unusual degree of pride and confidence felt by so many respondents in the quality of the Pelham Schools, and the appreciation for Dr. Giarrizzo’s work as Superintendent of Schools.”

“We’re very thankful to everyone in our community who participated in the forums, focus groups and surveys,” said Board of Education President Marianne Gilland. “The results provide us with an understanding of what our community and staff desire in our next superintendent and will help the Board and our consultants identify candidates who are strong matches for the District.”

Participants were asked about the strengths and challenges of the District, as well as the desired characteristics of the next superintendent. Using the results, the consultants identified the most common responses to develop a leadership profile. That profile includes the following characteristics:

• Dynamic educational leader and visionary
• Engaging people person
• Experience in a district where there are high expectations for all students
• Financial acumen – conviction backed by knowledge and numbers
• Good communicator – transparent – validates what is heard – gives honest answers
• Good listener and observer – someone who can convey a genuine interest in what people have to say, even when he/she will need to present a different response
• Understands and is sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population
• Visible and approachable leader who can develop a level of trust in the Board, administration, faculty, staff, students and the community.
• Be certified as a superintendent, or capable of gaining certification in New York State
• Make a long-term commitment to the District
• Have experience as an accomplished administrator.

Additionally, the successful candidate will:

The full report can be viewed at www.pelhamschools.org/superint...

The presentation of the leadership profile represents the completion of the first stage of the superintendent search. The consultants will now begin recruiting and screening candidates based on the leadership profile and plan to present a slate of candidates to the Board of Education later this spring.

“We are hopeful that there is a strong candidate pool available and that we can have our new superintendent in place for the start of the 2017-18 school year,” Gilland said. “However, if we are not satisfied with the initial round of candidates, we are comfortable appointing an interim superintendent and continuing the search next year.”

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