In the realm of educational leadership, Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES embarks on a crucial journey to select its next District Superintendent. Offering insights into the intricate process, Interim Superintendent Dr. Brian Hartwell explained the unique educational landscape we navigate during a recent interview. Delving into the nuances of the process, Dr. Hartwell shed light on the importance of understanding the District Superintendent's role and its impact on shaping the search process.
Understanding the Distinction – District Superintendent vs. School SuperintendentIn New York State, the educational hierarchy features two key leadership roles: the District Superintendent and the School Superintendent.
● District Superintendent: With only 37 individuals holding this position statewide, District Superintendents play multifaceted roles and can be categorized into three main domains:
1. Administrative and Supervisory Activities with School Districts: District Superintendents collaborate with individual school districts, providing administrative support, guidance, and supervision.
2. Executive Officer of the BOCES: District Superintendents assume leadership roles within Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), overseeing their operations and strategic direction.
3. Assigned Duties by the Commissioner of Education: As appointed representatives of the Commissioner of Education, District Superintendents fulfill various duties crucial to the functioning of the education system.
● School Superintendent: Conversely, over 700 Superintendents lead various schools across New York. They are the driving force behind day-to-day operations, academic progress, and community engagement within their respective districts. They are present figures within their schools, engaging with faculty, staff, and students alike.
Dr. Brian Hartwell, serving as the District Superintendent for Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, offers insights into his role, one that he feels is similar to the District Superintendency for TST BOCES. He delineates his duties into thirds: one-third dedicated to liaison work with the Commissioner of Education, another third spent regionally collaborating with school superintendents, and the remaining third devoted to the operational aspects of serving as the CEO of his BOCES.
Since District Superintendents occupy a broader, regional leadership role with supervisory, and executive responsibilities, filling the role is a significant undertaking.
Understanding the Search Process – Types of Searches
Dr. Hartwell defined three methodologies for District Superintendent Searches:
1. Open Search: An open search epitomizes complete transparency, with all application materials readily accessible to stakeholders. Historically, this approach fostered a sense of inclusivity; however, concerns surrounding confidentiality have rendered it less common in contemporary searches. Dr. Hartwell noted that the openness of this method may dissuade some highly qualified candidates from applying due to apprehensions about confidentiality breaches and potential repercussions in their current roles.
2. Semi-Closed Search: Striking a delicate balance between transparency and confidentiality, the semi-closed search begins with confidential interviews conducted by the board. This ensures privacy for candidates during the initial interview rounds. However, subsequent rounds involve stakeholder engagement, an aspect that has contributed to the decreasing popularity of this approach. Dr. Hartwell emphasized the growing preference among candidates for full confidentiality, citing the potential risks associated with exposure during the application process.
3. Closed Search: Selected by districts aiming to attract top-tier candidates, the closed search guarantees utmost confidentiality throughout the process. This method is particularly appealing to highly successful professionals considering new opportunities. Dr. Hartwell underscored the criticality of confidentiality in attracting the most qualified applicants, especially given the competitive nature of District Superintendent positions.
Drawing a poignant analogy, Dr. Hartwell likened the relationship between the Board of Education and the Superintendent to a sacred bond built on trust and commitment, almost like a romance. He highlighted the inherent vulnerability of candidates in the application process, where the act of applying for a new position could fracture the trust between the two entities. In such scenarios, only one candidate emerges successful, leaving the others to return to their current roles with fractured trust and potentially strained relationships.
Given these considerations, TST opted for a closed search to safeguard confidentiality and attract the most qualified applicants. Despite the closed nature of the search, TST remains committed to inclusivity and transparency along the way. Dr. Hartwell reassured stakeholders that their thoughts and opinions remain valued and integral to the process, emphasizing that a closed search does not imply exclusion from participation.
Dr. Hartwell outlined plans for comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews with various groups, ensuring diverse perspectives shape the process.
Timeline:
● March 22: Deadline for applicants to apply.
● April 5: ThoughtExchange link launches for stakeholder input.
● April 22: ThoughtExchange link closes.
● End of April: BOE conducts first-round interviews with applicants.
● Early May: Focus group interviews are scheduled to gather detailed feedback from stakeholders.
● Mid May: BOE uses data garnered from stakeholders for question development phase of interview process.
● End of May: BOE conducts final interviews.
● Early June: Finalization of candidates for commissioner's consideration.
● Early July: New District Superintendent is named.
● By September 1: New District Superintendent starts at TST BOCES.
Prioritizing Fit Over Speed
Dr. Hartwell emphasized the importance of finding the right candidate, even if it means “failing” the search and starting it over again. Quality and fit take precedence over expediency and timeline. He underscored that the District Superintendent plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape and community dynamics. As such, he and the BOE remain committed to investing the necessary time and resources to ensure that the successful candidate embodies the values and vision of the district.
Moving Forward Together
As stakeholders, your insights are invaluable in shaping the future of our district. TST remains committed to transparency, inclusivity, and excellence in leadership selection. To ensure every voice is heard, TST will use ThoughtExchange, a powerful platform to facilitate open dialogue while safeguarding anonymity. ThoughtExchange empowers individuals to offer opinions, feedback, and insights freely, without fear of judgment or retribution. On April 5th, the ThoughtExchange link will go live and will accept responses until April 22nd.
TST District Superintendent ThoughtExchange Link
In early May, Dr. Hartwell’s focus group team will engage with key stakeholders within the TST community. Each focus group will consist of 15-20 carefully selected participants representing various segments of the TST community, ensuring a diverse array of perspectives and experiences. From faculty and staff, including every bargaining unit, to students and community leaders, every voice will be represented in these crucial discussions. Their insights will serve as invaluable guidance for the Board of Education as they craft questions for the final rounds of interviews.
This intentional approach acknowledges that the final interview rounds delve beyond mere introductions, focusing on the nuanced aspects of TST's unique identity and the candidates' potential contributions. By incorporating the insights garnered from these focus groups at this specific time in the interview process, the BOE will gain a deeper understanding of how each candidate aligns with TST's vision and values, facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring the selection of a Superintendent who can successfully move TST forward.