Superintendent's Search Community Engagement Feedback Summary “Qualities & Characteristics” Dr. Kevin Castner, BWP Associate Dr. E. Wayne Harris, BWP Associate December 19, 2013

Public Engagement Objectives To learn the strengths, needs, and issues of ACPS that match the Leadership Profile To describe the District’s strengths, needs, and issues to the recruited candidates To build community understanding and support for the superintendent’s search process.

ACPS Superintendent Search Community Engagement Meetings (To identify/record qualities/characteristics of Alexandria’s Superintendent) BWP Associates facilitated discussions with Employees and Community on December 3-5 BWP Associates engagement activities involved 12 groups and 26 interviews including Board members, faculty, staff, students, and various community groups and included an on- line community survey. The total number of people who participated in the engagement meetings was 165 and we have over 826 completed surveys.

Superintendent’s Search Preliminary Survey Results Skills desired – Leadership – Communication – Interpersonal/public relations Characteristics desired – Integrity – Good judgment – Team builder Experience desired – Experience in multi-cultural environment – Classroom teacher/instruction – Superintendent with proven record of success - Experience in strategic planning Important upcoming issues – Growth – Funding – Curriculum/Instruction

ACPS Schools Community Engagement Meetings Identified Common Thoughts and Themes Question # 1: Strengths Diversity Excellent caring teachers/staff Supportive community Good relationship with City Council Size and location of system Resources to support the schools Number of educational options and programs – arts, music, technology support Question # 2: Challenges Addressing the achievement gap Meeting the needs of socio-economic gap, ELL students, transient students Instructional program v. state accountability system Economic extremes Growing enrollment Determine the effectiveness of many initiatives Create and maintain a positive organizational culture Create and maintain a collaborative engaging decision making process

Question # 3: Qualities and Characteristics Back ground experiences have provided understanding of diversity/multicultural environment with proven success in a urban system A visionary leader who can assess current programs, maintain effective efforts, and seek the next level of improvement needed to prepare students for success in the 21st century. An approachable, insightful servant leader who will work with staff and community to support a culture of transparency and collaboration that encourages participation in improved instructional services. A collaborative leader who will make the best use of available resources and efficiently and effectively manage a comprehensive system. A student centered, personable leader with integrity who can communicate effectively with all types of people and consistently advocate for what is best. An individual who will passionately advocate for all students and who will demonstrate a commitment to become a visible member of the community. ACPS Schools Community Engagement Meetings Identified Common Thoughts and Themes

Leadership Profile Descriptors Visionary Educator Instructional Leader Collaborative Manager Effective Communicator

Alexandria City Schools: Superintendents Search “Next Steps” Specifications: Completed in January Board Approves Profile Report On-line survey results Recruitment/Assessment: Completed by March BWP receives/reviews applications BWP screens applicants/completes reference checks BWP prepares slate of candidates/recommends to Board Selection: Completed by April 30 Board selects/interviews candidates Board conducts 1 st round of interviews Board selects finalist Board interviews finalist Board selects new superintendent/negotiates contract Board Introduces new superintendent to community Superintendent begins July 1, 2013

Alexandria City Schools: Superintendents Search “Next Steps” Plan B Schedule Specifications: Completed in January Board Approves Profile Report On-line survey results Recruitment/Assessment: Completed by February 1, 2014 BWP receives/reviews applications BWP screens applicants/completes reference checks BWP present slate of candidates not later than mid-February Selection: Completed not later than March 3, 2014 Board selects/interviews candidates Board conducts 1 st round of interviews February 20, 2014 Board selects finalist Board interviews finalist February 26, 2014 Board selects new superintendent March 3, 2014 Board Introduces new superintendent to community Superintendent begins July 1, 2013

Alexandria School Board Discussion and Questions