Input Wanted in Search for WJCC Schools Superintendent

By Amber Lester Friday, August 27, 2010

Parents and citizens can now let the Williamsburg-James City County School Board know what they’re looking for in the next superintendent.

The school division launched its online survey this week, available here and in hard copies at each of the school buildings in the division. The survey is the first step in the process to find a new superintendent, expected to be hired by December.

The survey asks participants to rank certain qualifications, personality traits and skills in order of importance. Survey takers will also be asked to identify three qualities as most desirable, out of choices like sense of humor, good listener, intellectual and more. It also asks participants to decide how they would like the superintendent to interact with the School Board, with staff and with the community.

On Sept. 14, the board will host a public forum at 7 p.m. at Lafayette High School. On Sept. 20, the board will use the public’s feedback and criteria to draft a vacancy announcement.

On Sept. 25, the Citizens for Education will also host a community conversation inviting citizens to share what characteristics they would like to see in a superintendent. The time and location have not been announced yet.

The board is searching for a superintendent to replace Gary Mathews, who took a position in Newton County, Ga. earlier this year. Former Director of Finance Scott Burckbuchler is currently serving as the acting superintendent until the position is filled.

In May, the board met with VSBA Executive Director Frank Barham and Assistant Executive Director Gina Patterson to hammer out the details of the search. The VSBA recommended the board keep applicants’ names private, and also advised the board to invite in-house applicants and guaranteed interviews for current employees. Read more about how the search will be conducted here.