State Board of Education seeks next
superintendent of public instruction
Editor’s
note: Due to state budget constraints, no classified advertisements for this
position will be placed in Ohio
newspapers. With this in mind, the State Board of Education would appreciate
your publication covering this important news story.
Columbus – This morning, the
State Board of Education heard an update from Hudepohl & Associates, the
Worthington-based firm assisting the Board with its search for the state’s next
superintendent of public instruction.
“I
am thankful that the Board has agreed to include me and my staff in the
search for Ohio's
next superintendent,” said Governor Strickland. “I take this opportunity
very seriously. It is absolutely crucial that we have a state
superintendent who can work effectively and collaboratively with Ohio's
leaders to help build a world-class system of education here in
our great state.”
Hudepohl
recently conducted more than 50 stakeholder interviews, including all State
Board members, Governor Ted Strickland, Chancellor Eric Fingerhut, legislative
leaders, the Ohio School Boards Association, superintendent and treasurer
associations, and representatives of the teacher unions. Based on feedback from
these interviews, the search firm presented to the Board the desired
experience, qualifications and requirements for the next
superintendent.
“Hiring
the state superintendent is the most important job of the State Board of
Education,” said Board President Jennifer L. Sheets. “The Board recognizes the
significant influence this position has on education in the state. This is why
we wanted to gather input from so many policymakers and stakeholders. I am
confident the Board will identify a leader who will continue the outstanding
progress that has been made in Ohio
during recent years.”
Gary
Hudepohl, managing director and principal of the search firm, stated that while
they will move as quickly as possible to fill the position, searches such as
this often take longer than expected as the “best person for the job may not
know they want the job, they have to be wooed.” During the next few weeks,
Hudepohl will start actively recruiting candidates for the position. Interested
applicants can contact Hudepohl at 614-854-7300 or visit their Web site at www.hudepohl.com.
Hudepohl
informed the Board that the interviewed stakeholders share the same belief –
the next superintendent must be able to build consensus for educational reform
and lead implementation of a shared vision that will provide students with
21st Century skills.
The
search firm also presented that the next superintendent must:
- Be “student centered” and have a strong understanding
of public education, and have the desire, passion, energy and charisma to
be a visible statewide advocate and “cheerleader” for public education;
- Have strong administrative skills to manage a
department of 650+ people and an operating budget of $11.2 billion;
- Be an independent thinker capable of building consensus
and possess the necessary political skills to negotiate compromise to
bring together stakeholders on key education issues; and
- Lead and effectively build trust and confidence in Ohio’s public
education system among many key groups such as citizens, local boards of
educations, teachers and superintendents.
Additionally,
Hudepohl said that while it is preferred that the next superintendent have
experience as a superintendent, other applicants not possessing this
traditional experience will be considered if they possess a strong knowledge of
public education and educational reforms.
