MUSD is asking members of the community to give their thoughts on what’s needed in a new district superintendent 7 p.m. Monday in the district’s governing board room, 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.
The community focus group will be one of six led by a national executive consulting firm hired by the governing board to search for a new leader. Superintendent Jeff Kleck resigned in September, effective June 30.
Consultants with Omaha-based McPherson & Jacobson, which is being paid $16,900, are asking Maricopa Unified School District teachers, administrators, classified staff and students what they consider key for a superintendent to be successful in Maricopa.
“We are inviting parents and the Maricopa community-at-large to join us in defining the qualifications Maricopa is looking for in the person who will fill this vital position on our leadership team,” MUSD Board President Scott Bartle said.
Consultants Mary Kamerzell and Bob Neely met with school board members in a special meeting Feb. 1 to get their initial thoughts on what they are seeking in a new superintendent. They also explained the search process, which includes establishing “selection criteria,” meeting with stakeholders, nationally advertising the position, and screening and interviewing candidates.
Once top candidates are chosen, they will be invited to the district to meet with members from the focus groups and school board.
Board members came up with an initial 35 criteria needed for success in a superintendent, narrowing that number to five — leadership, communication, vision, professionalism and ability to be a community unifier.
These five criteria will be taken into consideration with what the focus groups determine are desirable characteristics in a superintendent. The consultants will fashion an application for the job from these meetings, and use the criteria in the screening process.
“We welcome the involvement and participation of the broader community,” Neely said.
Board members hope to hire a new superintendent in early May.
For more information on the Maricopa Unified School District visit www.maricopausd.org or call 520-568-5100.
