School committee approves HYA leadership profile after public calls for equity input
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Summary
After public comment criticizing the screening committee’s lack of equity expertise, the Holliston School Committee accepted HYA27s leadership profile for the superintendent search. HYA presented outreach and survey results and outlined characteristics the district should prioritize in candidates.
The Holliston School Committee voted to approve a leadership profile for the superintendent search presented by HYA, a search-consultant team, after a period of public comment urging more community input and stronger equity representation on the screening committee.
Resident Laurie Markoff criticized the composition of the screening team and its process, saying, "I also was surprised that the screening committee was chosen without community input and then surprised that the committee included no 1 with specific expertise and commitment to equity." Markoff told the committee that students from underrepresented populations, students with disabilities and LGBTQ students were the most likely to be struggling and said the search should be designed to get input from families who are least likely to attend meetings.
HYA senior associate Dr. Susan Diney summarized the consultants27 outreach: "we met with a total of 125 individuals in person or via Zoom," including school staff, students, town officials and community groups. Karen Shaw, a HYA colleague, reported survey participation: "613 stakeholders completed the survey," with parents the largest respondent group (about 55.5%), educators about 15.2% and students about 13.7%.
HYA presented an alphabetized list of desired superintendent traits emphasizing relationship-building, equity and inclusion, instructional leadership, financial and operational experience, and certification or the capacity to obtain Massachusetts superintendent certification. Dr. Diney said the consultants would provide the leadership profile and suggested interview questions to the screening team to align recruitment with community priorities.
After questions from committee members about prioritization and outreach, a member moved and the committee voted to accept the profile "as presented by HYA." The chair announced the motion passed. The profile will be posted on the district website and used to guide recruitment and the screening team27s work.
The committee discussion included repeated calls from public commentators that the screening committee27s makeup and process be revisited to ensure candidates who prioritize equity and mental-health supports are identified. The timeline for recruitment discussed by HYA includes candidate interviews by the screening team in January and finalists presented to the committee in late winter.