1. HARFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Superintendent Search Process
HARFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2. Identify the best leader for your school system
Purpose
Identify the best leader for your school system
Plan and execute a search process that is thoughtful,
responsive, and fair
Minimize the possibility of legal challenges as a result of
procedural flaws
Superintendent Search Process

3. Key Elements of a Successful Search
Confidentiality
Public Relations
Transparency
Identified spokesperson
Candidate Applications
Custodial Responsibility
Board Member Access
Board’s Role
Characteristics/Parameters
Control of the Process
Superintendent Search Process

4. HARFORD Proposed Time Line
February: Initial meeting with BOE to set parameters and timeline
February: Community engagement; Board sets criteria and characteristics
March/April: Advertise/recruit/review applications
April/May: Interview
May: Appoint
July 1: Superintendent begins
Superintendent Search Process

5. Phase I: Planning the Search
Identify the criteria to be used in the initial screening process (B)
Identify the desirable characteristics of the future superintendent (B)
Ensure public input in the process (B/C)
Discuss and establish confidentiality protocols (B/C)
Decide who will speak for the Board (B)
(B) Board of Education (C) Consultants (S) Staff
Superintendent Search Process

6. Phase I: Planning the Search
Develop a promotional brochure that will:
Describe community demographics
Provide an overview of the district and its outstanding features
List the selection criteria to be used
Describe the selection process
Outline the selection process timeline(B/S)
Develop an Announcement of Vacancy for advertising purposes (B/S)
Superintendent Search Process

7. Phase II: Advertising and Recruitment
Establish a timeline for conducting search (B/C)
Develop an application form that reflects criteria established by the Board (c)
Advertise the position through appropriate media, local school districts, and professional associations (c)
Add flyers and application forms on appropriate websites (c)
Superintendent Search Process

8. Phase III: Screening and Selecting Candidates
Review all completed applicant files based on criteria and characteristics established by the board (c)
Verify Maryland certification status of applicants (C)
Review all sections of applicant files including cover letter, application, resume, reference letters, and narratives (B/C)
Conduct first-round reference checks and initial internet search for all applicants (C)
Superintendent Search Process

9. Phase III: Screening and Selecting Candidates
Identify the top candidates (6-8) for initial interview (B/C)
Establish an interview schedule and contact
candidates (C)
Develop interview questions to be asked of all candidates in initial interviews (B/C)
Superintendent Search Process

10. Phase IV: Selecting the New Superintendent
Conduct initial structured interviews (B)
Compile results and use the ratings and other observations to identify applicants for second interviews. (B)
Conduct additional reference checks, expand internet search, and complete comprehensive background checks (C)
Superintendent Search Process

11. Phase IV: Selecting the New Superintendent
Conduct second round of open-ended interviews to determine “Best Fit” (B)
Identify the finalist(s) (B)
Possibly conduct additional interviews with finalists(B)
Superintendent Search Process

12. Phase V: Appointing the New Superintendent
Review all information on each finalist and rank order them(B)
Confer with state superintendent of schools(B)
Contact top candidate to determine availability(B)
Negotiate with candidate(B)
Meet in public session to formalize appointment(B)
Superintendent Search Process

13. Phase V: Appointing the New Superintendent
Send out appropriate press releases and other notifications of appointment(B/S)
Execute the formal contract with advice of counsel(B)
Superintendent Search Process

14. State Certification – COMAR 13A.12.04.03
A. Have a master’s degree from an IHE;
Three years of satisfactory teaching experience and two years of satisfactory administrative or supervisory experience in a PreK-12 school setting;
Submit a minimum of 24 credits of post-master, graduate coursework in educational administration and supervision to include a balance of coursework in the following:
(1) Developing and Articulating a Shared Vision;
(2) Organizational Management;
(3) Promoting and Maintaining a Positive School Culture and Instructional Program for Learning
(4) Demonstrating Values and Ethics of Leadership
(5) Collaboration with Diverse Stakeholders
Superintendent Search Process Overview

15. State Certification – COMAR 13A.12.04.03 (Continued)
A superintendent who enters Maryland from another state may obtain superintendent certification if the superintendent held a valid professional state certification and presents verification of at least 27 months of satisfactory performance as a superintendent during the past 7 years on the basis of which application is being made for a like or comparable Maryland certificate.
Superintendent Search Process Overview

16. Please answer the following questions:
Your Turn
Please answer the following questions:
List 3-4 things that show your county is the best place to live, learn and work
List 4-5 qualities/characteristics you would like to see in the new superintendent
List 1-2 major challenges the new superintendent will face
List 2-3 questions you would like the Board to include in candidate interviews.
Superintendent Search Process Overview

17. Patterson Mill High School 4:30 p.m. -- Employees
STAKEHOLDER INPUT SESSIONS
February 21, 2018
Aberdeen High School
Patterson Mill High School
4:30 p.m Employees
6:30 p.m Community & Parents
Superintendent Search Process

18. STAKEHOLDER INPUT SESSIONS
Those that cannot attend the input sessions may their answers to the four questions to: No later than February 21, 2018
Superintendent Search Process

19. Questions
Superintendent Search Process

20. 621 Ridgely Avenue, Suite 300 Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Fax: