Search consultant outlines required qualities, timeline for Fairfax City schools' next superintendent

Dr. Phyllis Bijardo, the consultant leading the superintendent search process, told the City of Fairfax School Board on Oct. 6 that nearly 100 stakeholders participated in surveys, interviews and forums to shape a candidate profile. She said stakeholders prioritized honesty, integrity, transparency and fairness; fiscal responsibility and budget experience; experience managing complex change; a focus on student achievement; facilities and safety expertise; attention to student mental and emotional well-being; and attention to staff retention.

The profile and next steps: Bijardo said the board has completed the activities it approved for August and September and is now in the October phase of interviews. “Over the next several weeks, you will be engaged in your interviews of candidates, then finalists,” she said. She told the board a superintendent announcement could come in November if the process proceeds on schedule.

Why it matters: Board members emphasized that the new superintendent will inherit budget development, bond-funded renovations and ongoing work with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) on staffing and principal selection. Board members asked for clarification about the role the new superintendent will have in retaining city school staff and in working with FCPS on principal placements.

Discussion highlights: Bijardo said fiscal responsibility and budget management were top stakeholder priorities because the new superintendent will enter a season of budget development and ongoing renovation costs, even after a bond passed to fund school improvements. She also said facilities and safety were prominent concerns “given the fact that you have some aging facilities that the community has already passed a bond to renovate.”

Board members pressed for detail on staff retention. Acting Superintendent Michael Phillips (identified in the meeting as Mr. Phillips) noted the superintendent will influence principal selection and that leadership changes affect teacher and staff retention. Bijardo said stakeholder comments about staff retention applied to both city school staff and the district employees who work in the city’s four schools.

Next steps and public access: Bijardo said the presentation will be posted on the district website and that the board’s interviews of candidates and finalists are imminent. She cautioned she would not announce the hire until the board does.

Ending: The board did not take a hiring vote at the Oct. 6 meeting; Bijardo’s update was informational and set expectations for upcoming interviews and a possible announcement in November.