The Orcas School Board met with Rich Parker of McPherson and Jacobson, the firm contracted to assist the board with its search for a new superintendent on Jan. 20.

Parker reported on his meetings with stakeholders, saying the turnout of teachers was on par with districts with a 20,000 student base. He also thought the middle school students gave a “remarkable” list of qualities for the superintendent. They ranged from wanting someone “humorous” to someone who is “empathetic.” There were also 45 responses to the online survey and a well attended community meeting. Here are the five criteria for the superintendent.

1. Teambuilder. The superintendent will have a proven ability to promote a positive school climate, can provide strong instructional leadership, build trust, and foster positive relations through excellent communication, listening, and leadership skills. The superintendent must be able to collaborate with all district personnel, be open and respectful to different points of view, and be inclusive to new ideas in decision-making.

2. Creativity. The Superintendent will be a passionate leader in public education who is informed by realities both here on Orcas and in the world into which students will enter.

3. Management. The superintendent must understand school law, common core standards, teacher-principal evaluation systems, negotiation and labor relations, budgeting, and have a business acumen that will help with school finance. The candidate should have experience in levy elections and, ideally, grant-writing.

4. Community leader. The superintendent must be knowledgeable about the fiscal and cultural realities of living in an isolated rural environment.

5. Facilities. The superintendent must demonstrate experience in making decisions about facilities management, maintenance, construction, and renovation as they embark on a 24-month rehabilitation of the campus.

McPherson and Jacobson has also created a brochure for potential candidates.  It can be viewed here:  http://goo.gl/0QlavK.

The application deadline  is Feb. 24. Finalists will be selected by the board on March 13. Finalist interviews will be on March 17-28. The candidate will be selected on March 31.