Pioneer Board of Education president Melissa Nocera-Collins has issued the following update on the district's superintendent search:
Pioneer School Community:
The search for the Superintendent of Schools continues on schedule. The members of the Board of Education are committed to finding the very best educator to lead the District in the challenging years ahead.
On September 28, Dr. Howard Smith and Mr. John Schiess, consultants from School Leadership, LLC, conducted stakeholder group meetings in the District. In five sessions they met with 85 participants which included high school students; administrators and supervisors; elementary and secondary staffs; and community residents in an open forum. In addition, the consultants reviewed the analysis of an online survey which was active for 30 days and which enlisted responses from 538 individuals.
Based upon the input received and reported on from the stakeholder group meetings and from the analysis of the information collected from the online survey, the Board, at its October 11 Special Meeting, accepted the Specification Development Report and adopted specifications for the position. These specifications will be used by the consultants to advertise for and screen applicants, as well as by the Board as it makes decisions about those expressing interest in the position.
As a result, the Board has determined that the ideal candidate will be:
✓ A respected and successful educator with experiences comprised of classroom teaching,
building leadership and/or central office administration who has demonstrated the ability
to collaborate and communicate effectively with all constituencies, making decisions
grounded in the best interest of students and the school community.
✓ An educator with experience and knowledge in curriculum and instruction who is prepared
to work with staff to assess the status of student progress and refocus efforts to improve
academic outcomes for all.
✓ A school administrator with an understanding of the finance and human resource functions
who can provide leadership in both areas, including a critical study of the organizational
structure and all personnel practices as well as insuring that the fiscal health of the District
remains strong.
✓ A proven team builder with a demonstrated record of success in long range planning who
will provide clear and consistent leadership and will develop strong, collaborative
relationships with the Board of Education, the staff, and the multiple constituencies within
the larger Pioneer community.
✓ An energetic educator of the utmost integrity and character who will become an integral
part of the school community, be regularly visible, and will lead in an atmosphere of mutual
respect and accountability.
In November and December, the consultants will be vetting all applicants and assisting the Board in the selection of those designated to semi-finalist and finalist standing. In January, the Board will be interviewing candidates it designates as semi-finalists and, soon thereafter, will be meeting with candidates selected from that group as finalists for the position. The full schedule of activities is at the District website and calls for the appointment of the Superintendent in March with an anticipated start date no later than July 1.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank those of you who attended a stakeholder group
session and/or completed the online survey. Please know that your input has proved invaluable as we continue the important work of selecting the next Superintendent.
Should you have any questions about the status of the search, please feel free to contact me. I will continue to update the community as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Melissa Nocera-Collins, President
Board of Education
Specification Development Report | Search Timeline (updated 10/11/22) | Superintendent Search Page