Hempstead Union Free School District Leadership Profile Report February 16, 2017 Presented by: Dwight Pfennig, HYA Senior Associate Edward McCormick, HYA Associate

Executive Summary Data collected were obtained from input the HYA consultants received when meeting with Focus Groups and individuals groups in either individual interviews or focus group settings on January 30 and 31, 2017, and from the results of the online survey completed by stakeholders between January 23, 2017, and February 6, 2017. Sixteen (16) stakeholder interviews and focus group meetings were used to collect information regarding the strengths of the district, the challenges that it will be facing in the coming years, and desired characteristics in the new superintendent.

Focus Group/Individual Conversation and Online Survey Participants Personal Interviews and/or Focus Groups Online Survey Board 5 NA Building Level Administrators a19 26 Central Office Administrators 3 Teachers b21 132 Community c53 42 Parents of Student Attending School dNA 107 Support Staff e6 56 Students 205 Total 568 aBuilding level Interview and/or Focus Groups included TA’s bTeachers Interview and/or Focus Groups Included all Teachers and Teacher’s Union Leadership cCommunity Interview and/or Focus Groups included two public Community Forums and a written document submitted by the Hempstead High School PTSO dParents of Student Attending Schools included with Community eSupport Staff Interview and or Focus Groups included Union Leadership (other than teachers)

Consistently Reported Themes Strengths Hempstead residents have easy access to New York City linking them with the arts, entertainment, and a variety of cultural venues The desire for more community involvement in the school system is very strong. Frequently referenced “hope” that strong and active community involvement can be galvanized to support educational programs geared toward improving student achievement. Dedication of staff and students. “Underplayed” success of several students due to the lack of publicity. Resilient and creative staff because of their ability to provide meaningful learning experiences for students despite limited resources and inconsistent leadership. Opportunity to become a national model for urban/suburban excellence remains a goal for a variety of Hempstead Union Free School district support groups. Untapped potential of students, facilities, and grant funding opportunities.

Consistently Reported Themes Challenges and Issues The challenge of community support lies in the ability of various groups to work together. Some of the groups may only be focused on their own agendas. The negative budgetary effect on class size and staffing as well as the reduction of programs necessary for students being appropriately competitive with their contemporaries Concerns that negative events receiving substantial press coverage may present obstacles in recruiting superintendent candidates Appropriate identification of students eligible for Special Education, and the evaluation of Special Education programs Need for evaluation of ELL program and ELL staff professional development. Groups mentioned fear of reprisals for speaking one’s mind, for questioning decisions directly affecting the work place environment, for not positioning oneself well in a top down (from the Board) micro-management model, and for not acquiescing to political pressure(s). Desire to see improved relationships between the Board members themselves. .

Consistently Reported Themes Desired Characteristics An experienced educator with deep passion for the achievement of all students. Experience in serving diverse urban/suburban communities, and in developing a visionary operational and academic strategy Respect for the teaching staff and support that staff through appropriate program development, implementation, and evaluation that is data driven, timely and in the best interests of all students. Political acumen that can be applied to mending fractured relationships between and among community groups Able to bridge significant communication gaps while passionately addressing the critical needs of students. Excellent communication skills dedicated to timely and effective messaging to all community groups. Trustworthy, loyal to the district and the students it serves. Ability to be strong, compassionate, and not “kowtowing” to pressures of the “squeaky wheel.”

Superintendent Search Survey Results

Superintendent Search Survey Results

Superintendent Search Survey Results

Hempstead Union Free School District Desired Characteristics After seeking input from its Board members, parents, staff, students, and community via focus groups, interviews, and an online survey, the Board of Education of the Hempstead Union Free School District seeks a strong educational leader who possesses the following characteristics:   An experienced educator with deep passion for the achievement of all students Adaptability in developing a professional presence that is demonstrated through visibility, sound communication practices, and transparency. Understands the need to foster a positive climate of mutual trust and respect among students, faculty, staff, administrators, Board, and community. Skillfully navigates Federal, state, and local political issues in a manner that benefits the district. Maintains a clear, compelling vision for the future. Ability to recruit, employ, and retain effective personnel throughout the District and its schools .

Hempstead Union Free School District Desired Characteristics After seeking input from its Board members, parents, staff, students, and community via focus groups, interviews, and an online survey, the Board of Education of the Hempstead Union Free School District seeks a strong educational leader who possesses the following characteristics: Understands educational research and the need to implement emerging best practices and implementation strategies. Establishes a culture of high expectations for all students and personnel. Ability to reach out and form productive partnerships with all community groups and organizations in a spirit of cooperation and inclusiveness. Teaching and administrative experience that serves as a foundation for implementing an educational vision that embraces diversity and the differentiation of instruction. Understands the need for trust and transparency among all groups contributing to the success of students. Maintains a negative philosophy toward micro-management, nepotism, and coercive professional practices.

Hempstead Union Free School District Desired Characteristics With regard to leadership experiences and accomplishments, the successful candidate: Demonstrated passion for the achievement of all students. Demonstrated successful experience in serving diverse urban/suburban communities, and in developing a visionary operational and academic strategy for the positive forward movement of the Hempstead Union Free School District. Demonstrated a deep respect for the teaching staff and support that staff through appropriate program development, implementation, and evaluation that is data driven, timely and in the best interests of all students. Demonstrated development of, and support for a Professional Development Program that enhances the visionary operational and academic strategy of the Hempstead Union Free School District.

Hempstead Union Free School District Desired Characteristics With regard to leadership experiences and accomplishments, the successful candidate: Demonstrated political acumen that can be applied to mending fractured relationships between and among community groups as they apply to all aspects of the Hempstead Union Free School district. Demonstrated successful experience in working with all Board of Education Trustees, all community constituent groups, and all groups employed by the district, to bridge significant communication gaps while passionately addressing the critical needs of students that will positively affect academic standards and student performance.