Survey Introduction:

The purpose of this survey is to provide the Region 17 Board of Education with a broad perspective of community opinion about the most desirable attributes for a new superintendent of schools. Your responses to the following survey items will enable the Board to create a profile of these attributes that will guide the recruitment and selection of a new superintendent of schools by the Search Committee. (Asterisks denote required fields.)

2. What professional experience should the next superintendent have in his/her background? Check the three most important:

• Superintendent of Schools
• School principal
• Classroom teacher
• Central office administrator (asst. supt., deputy supt., etc)
• Central office supervisor (curriculum, personnel, special education, etc.)
• Other

3. What kind of achievement record or expertise do you believe the new superintendent should be able to demonstrate? Check the five most important:

• Promoting high levels of student achievement for all students
• Creating a positive learning environment
• Improving organizational productivity
• A record as a highly effective communicator
• Creating a climate of trust in the school district and community
• Implementing highly effective professional development
• Recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel
• Management of budget and operations
• Implementing a strategic plan, creating a shared vision
• Keeping student learning and well-being as the focus of decision-making
• Commitment to the school district
• Promoting creativity and innovation
• Other

5. Given your understanding of he Region 17 Public Schools and the Haddam and Killingworth communities, what are the most significant challenges that will face a new superintendent? Check the five most important:

• Establishing effective communication procedures
• Developing and managing school district budgets
• Negotiations
• Personnel matters
• Faculty relations, development and team-building
• Implementation of a strategic plan
• Governance and management
• Addressing student academic achievement gaps
• Crisis management and building safety
• Curriculum and instruction
• Other

6. What three personal characteristics best define your ideal superintendent? Check the three most important:

• Strong ethical values
• Good communication skills
• Friendly, approachable
• Collaborative
• Creative problem-solver
• Politically astute
• Visible in schools and community
• Other