The following is a representative section of the lengthy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) superintendent job announcement from Education Week’s TopSchoolJobs website:
Successful candidates should possess the following qualities/skills/experiences:
A proven leader with a track record of success. Leaders both inside and outside of Pre K-12 education will be strongly considered, Proven track record in Pre K-12 instructional leadership experience or other complex multifaceted work environments or expertise in leading a district towards accelerated academic improvement, preferred, Effective communication skills to reach out to all community groups, develop productive and beneficial relationships with community leaders, be a visible presence in the schools and be a representative of the school district throughout the county, Change agent and an innovator who will use the best practice research and meaningful data to improve academic achievement and operational efficiency, Collaborative leader who makes decisions only after seeking input from key stakeholders, including teachers and staff and who values an inclusive decision making process, Demonstrated expertise in budget, finance and capital improvements or successful experience in working with budget experts, Experience in securing additional funding options, or increasing organizational revenues is preferred, Put children first and inspire trust among all stakeholders, Demonstrated a level of experience and success in developing relationships with the non profit, faith based, and business communities that benefit all residents and that improves the schools, Track record of successfully achieving organizational goals while working within a political environment at the city, county and state level, Transparency and honesty in his/her approach, Demonstrated experience in embracing and promoting diversity and working well in diverse ethnic, racial, cultural and socio-economic communities and environments; Demonstrated ability to raise academic achievement while motivating, developing and supporting a high-performing, diverse and caring team both at the central office and at the schools, holding all accountable for improved achievement, Embrace process that welcomes dissenting opinions and values all segments of the community with opposing points of views and priorities, Exhibit strong leadership skills and develop a sound relationship with the Board with a clear definition of responsibilities, An inclusive leader who builds sound relationships with school based personnel and inspires staff to become highly effective, Demonstrated ability to produce results in challenging, stressful work environment, Courage to lead systemic change and be a first adopter, not waiting for others to initiate change.
Geez, that’s really long!
Anyway, note that the candidate must possess “[e]xperience in securing additional funding options, or increasing organizational revenues.” To be honest, I do not think that the CMS school board will find anyone more adept at “increasing organizational revenues” than former superintendent Peter Gorman.
