PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphians want their next schools superintendent to be a strong communicator with a commitment to equity, according to a summary of public input released Thursday by the Board of Education (which you can read below).
The school board heard from nearly 6,000 people during 48 public listening sessions and surveys in October and November, following the announcement that Superintendent William Hite would leave his position after this school year.
Respondents said they wanted the new superintendent to have educational experience and to be someone who sees inclusion as imperative.
In a report summarizing the public input, parents, teachers, students and community members said they wanted a superintendent who has demonstrated the ability to listen, and who has worked with diverse urban communities.
Respondents also wanted a superintendent who is an effective communicator and one who is committed to transparency.
Isaacson, Miller, the search firm hired by the school board, is using the public input to develop a job description for a new superintendent. That description is being released Friday.
On Dec. 7, the board will announce an 11-member advisory committee that will interview the final candidates for the job.
The board hopes to name a new superintendent early next spring.
