What do school workers want in new leader? One trait stands out

A survey of school employees shows that they want a superintendent who zeroes in on teaching and learning.

By NORMAN DRAPER, Star Tribune

Last update: November 19, 2008 - 11:00 PM

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Almost 1,500 Anoka-Hennepin schools employees have spoken: They want a new superintendent who, first and foremost, wants to focus on teaching and learning.

That might sound obvious. But in a survey conducted among the employees and a few score of district citizens, other criteria -- modeling ethical behavior, political effectiveness, and management and collaboration skills, among them -- didn't rank nearly as high.

The survey is part of the superintendent search process, aimed at replacing longtime Superintendent Roger Giroux, who will retire at the end of 2008.

Wayzata-based Blueprint Education Group conducted the survey, which comprised 1,487 responses from employees and 72 responses from other community members.

The survey was aimed at discovering what employees and other district citizens felt was the most important "performance expectation" for a new superintendent. "Emphasizes teaching and learning" was selected by 65 percent of the respondents as either the first or second most important quality among six offered. Next came "implements vision, mission and goals," with 47 percent. Thirty-nine percent felt serving as an example of "ethical behavior and integrity" was either the top or second-most important goal. Last on the list was "effective political influence," chosen by a paltry 14 percent of the survey participants.

Giroux announced his retirement last summer. Earlier this month, the district school board announced that former district administrator Dennis Carlson will come out of retirement to serve as interim superintendent until a replacement is found for Giroux.

The district has hired two consulting firms -- the Highland Park, Ill.-based School Exec Connect and Blueprint Education Group -- to assist in the process. School Exec Connect will conduct a nationwide search to find a new superintendent.

The school board's timetable calls for the applicants to be narrowed down to finalists for the position by mid-January. The finalists will then be interviewed, and will visit the district in mid-February. Board members hope to make their final choice sometime by the end of February.

Norman Draper • 612-673-4547

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