So, You Want To Be A Superintendent?

I was recently appointed as a new Superintendent  in NJ.  I am extremely  honored  and humbled to have been selected  to lead a school district.  Throughout the hiring  process, I was able to receive guidance from outstanding and established NJ School Superintendents. Thanks to the power of the PLN, I learned from leaders such as Timothy Purnell, Scott Rocco, Johanna Ruberto, Jay Eitner, and Andrew Rinko.  Their advice was invaluable and I am indebted to each of them.  If you are considering becoming a School Superintendent, I highly suggest reaching out to them. All are connected educators and would be more than happy to assist. During my preparation for the Superintendent interview process, I stumbled upon a series of YouTube videos created by the Beverly School District in Massachusetts.  The videos take the viewer on an inside look at candidates interviewing for the Superintendent role. The series also includes an insightful video of the Board discussing the candidates along with the final vote. I found these videos very helpful and would like to applaud the Beverly School District for their transparency.  At the end of the videos I have also provided a script of the questions asked during the video series.  Here's hoping this post helps aspiring Superintendents to realize their dream of leading a district.

Connect with me on Twitter-  @NicholasDiaz1.

Final candidate 1: Sean Gallagher

Final Candidate 2:  Christopher J. Malone

Final Candidate 3: Andrew W. Keough

Final Candidate 4 (he was offered the position) Steven A. Hiersche

Final vote by the BOE (found this very insightful to listen to their thought process)

Superintendent Finalist Interview Questions  

1. What do you believe the top 3 issues/challenges facing our district? What will be you plan of attack to address at least one of these issues?

2. How do you plan to raise the academic performance of the lowest achieving students without neglecting the highest performing students as well as those in the middle?

3. What have you done in your current or former role to support teachers in the classroom?

4. Communication is key for this district. How would you ensure BOE members, staff, and stakeholders are kept informed of district initiatives, needs, priorities?

5. How have you or how would you balance academic program offerings against budgetary constraints

6. How would you describe your leadership style?

7. Technology is a critical tool in supporting student learning. As such, there is an increasing need to bring families up to speed with technology. Please tell us how you have addressed this issue (or would) as Superintendent.

8. How has discrimination impacted the education of students? How would you address it for the students of (district name?

9. Please give an example of an unpopular decision you made. How did you proceed with the decision? What factors did you consider and what were the results?

10. In your role as Superintendent, how would you advocate for public education?