Wanted: A new superintendent for New Haven’s public schools. “Working knowledge of special education” required.
That was one of seven “application criteria” listed in a new job posting issued Friday by the school district.
The district is looking for a new superintendent to replace Reggie Mayo, who plans to retire on July 1 after 21 years on the job.
Melissa Bailey File Photo
Harries announces a rise in graduation rates.
Assistant Superintendent Garth Harries (pictured), who’s considered the most likely candidate to replace Mayo, has that criterion covered: In his past job, he worked as the special ed czar for the New York City school district. Before leaving for New Haven, Harries put together a 20-page report for the NYC school district outlining recommendations for serving special education students. (Click here to read it.)
The school district hired an Illinois-based firm, PROACT Search, to oversee the search. The process has been unpopular with the public, due to concerns about lack of transparency and a “rushed” timeline. Some have called for the district to wait until a new mayor takes office before filling the job; the school board has argued that a delay would put school reform on hold.
The job posting was written by PROACT Search after consulting 525 “stakeholders” in city schools through 24 private meetings, six “public hearings”, 247 online surveys, as well as paper surveys, according to schools spokeswoman Abbe Smith. Those consulted included “parents, students, community members, teachers, support staff, administrators, the Board of Aldermen, Early Childhood Council, Citywide Youth Coalition, Title I parents group, Citywide Parent Leadership Team, foundations, Latino community, African American clergy, and Grandparents on the Move.”
Based on those conversations, PROACT drew up a “profile” of what New Haven is looking for in a superintendent, such as someone with “strong moral character” and who “will address the issues of rigor, relevance and student engagement in the NHPS curriculum with the end-goal of dramatically increasing the likelihood that New Haven students will succeed after their high school graduations.”
Click here to read the profile.
PROACT also compiled a report of all community feedback; the report will be made public as soon as next week, according to Smith.
Applications are due June 25. The school system aims to choose a final candidate by mid-July, Smith said. Interested candidates can apply through PROACT here.
Below are the seven “application criteria” for the job:
The successful candidate will meet or exceed the following criteria and preferences:
1. Ten or more years of successful senior administrative experience and school leadership, with preference for experience in urban school districts, with demonstrated progression of school and system leadership experience.
2. Preference for candidates who are prepared to make a long-term commitment to the district.
3. A valid superintendent certificate or comparable certification or endorsement.
4. The superintendent is expected to establish residency in New Haven.
5. A terminal degree in the candidate’s area of expertise is desirable.
6. Strong working knowledge of the Common Core State Standards.
7. Working knowledge of special education preferred.