If you were hiring a new Jefferson City School District superintendent, what qualities would you prioritize?
The local Board of Education welcomes your input, which district patrons may provide through Friday by responding to a survey link at www.jcschools.us.
The survey asks respondents to select three qualities from among nine characteristics.
They are: expertise and experience in fiscal management; expertise in oral and written communications; ability to provide leadership and work in harmony with the staff; ability to provide leadership and work in harmony with the board; ability to build and maintain community relations; expertise in curriculum development; experience as an administrator; be visible and accessible to students, staff, community and board; keeps the focus on students and their success.
All are important but, at this juncture, we believe communications, community relations and accessibility are paramount.
Among the many challenges facing public education, the local district now must address: Complaints that teacher morale is declining, in part because administrators are not addressing their concerns; criticisms by parents and patrons that undisciplined students are undermining education; and a need to win approval of a ballot issue to address building needs.
All of those challenges will require a superintendent whose leadership style is built on being available, listening, evaluating and communicating.
We do not mean to denigrate or overlook the value of fiscal management and curriculum development, but we believe those competencies are abundant among other district administrators and staff.
What's important is that you have an opportunity to express your preferences by completing the survey. The public schools, as the name implies, are public entities supported by your tax dollars.
The Jefferson City Board of Education seeks your input on a vital decision that will affect the future of our schools. We urge you to participate.