Board approves leadership profile for superintendent search; screening committee to meet April 24

The Jefferson County Board of Education voted on March 18 to approve a leadership profile to guide the district’s superintendent recruitment and set a joint meeting with the screening committee to rank applicants on April 24.

The board accepted a draft leadership profile presented by a search firm representative, Mr. Ali of HYA Associates, who summarized community input and a survey with more than 4,500 responses. Ali described the desired characteristics emerging from community interviews and focus groups: a "visionary improvement leader for academic excellence," a community connector, and an operationally strong manager who can support educators and address transportation and other operational priorities.

Motion and scheduling: Board member Craig moved to approve the leadership profile; Ms. Strange seconded the motion and the board said "Ayes have it." The board then voted to convene with the screening committee on April 24 at 5 p.m. to review and rank candidates. The meeting dates were discussed with Mr. Ali, who recommended multiple days for screening; the board settled on April 24 to avoid weekend conflicts.

Why it matters: The leadership profile will be used to recruit and evaluate applicants for superintendent. The district and search firm emphasized broad community input—individual interviews, focus groups, and an online survey—as the basis for the profile.

Follow up: The screening committee will meet on April 24 (5 p.m.) with the board to review application materials and begin ranking candidates; the position remains open through the posted closing date for applications.