Jan. 7, 2019 -- The search for the next superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District is in full swing. The Board of Education began the process in November and expects to interview finalists in February.
In order to inform its search, the Board of Education held community focus groups in December. The Board’s consultant, Ray and Associates, facilitated the discussions with various groups including community leaders, local government officials, non-profits, staff, students, and district stakeholders.
“We were very pleased with the amount of participation and feedback we received from community stakeholders,” said Board of Education President Jim Posch. “The CH-UH community is known for its civic engagement, and this process was a testament to that reputation. As a Board, we feel better prepared to know what our community desires in a superintendent as we begin the process of selecting candidates and evaluating potential finalists.”
The feedback elicited a set of criteria that the Board of Education will use to evaluate potential superintendent candidates:
- Possesses excellent people skills, presents a positive image of the District, and will listen to input and make a decision when necessary.
- Is familiar with the opportunities and challenges inherent in working with a community and student population of great diversity: racial, religious, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic.
- Inspires trust, has high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance.
- Is a strong communicator: speaking, listening, and writing.
- Has experience recruiting and maintaining exceptional staff.
- Has experience dealing with employee representative groups/unions.
- Has experience improving educational outcomes and closing gaps in student achievement.
- Promotes a positive and professional environment for District employees and Board.
- Is committed to and has experience dealing with racial equity.
- Has experience leading innovation, reform, and advocacy efforts.
The application is open through Jan. 27, 2019. The Board of Education expects to interview candidates in February with the goal of naming its new superintendent by March. The Board will name an interim superintendent to lead the district beginning in March when current superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon leaves for Columbus City Schools. The new permanent superintendent is expected to begin work in CH-UH in the summer of 2019.