A Parting Gift Before Departing the Board

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT

You’ve announced your retirement as superintendent and are basking in the well wishes and accolades for your leadership of the school district. (I love positive presuppositions.) It’s a heady time — one filled with remembrances, some fond, others contemplative. But it’s not quite time to turn in the keys and check out of the office.

The board-savvy superintendent realizes that, to board members, one of the most terrifying and important decisions they can make lies ahead. A heavy sense of responsibility to get it right when selecting the next district leader is uppermost in their minds. They are aware of the trust the community has placed in them to do what is best for students, parents, staff and community members.

The reality is there are always areas of improvement and needs to be met. What changes must the school board consider before hiring its next superintendent, your successor, and do you as the incumbent superintendent have a role in this process? If yes, what? And how?