Board approves superintendent search profile after survey of nearly 400 stakeholders

The Monticello Public School District board voted 4–0 on Dec. 15 to approve a candidate profile, job application and promotional materials for the district’s superintendent search after a presentation by Dr. Dan Bittman.

Bittman, who is leading the search process, told the board the district gathered feedback from 396 survey respondents and six listening sessions with students, staff, parents and community leaders. “We had 396 different respondents,” Bittman said, noting the feedback aligned across groups and produced a set of top characteristics the district should seek in candidates.

He summarized the top traits that emerged: excellent interpersonal skills; leadership and cultural sensitivity; a strong moral compass focused on justice and equity; strong communication; community visibility; the ability to delegate and oversee staff; effective long-term management and planning; student-centered decision-making; support for academic and extracurricular programs; and a focus on improving student performance.

Board members asked how the rankings were derived and whether K–12 classroom experience should be included. After discussion Bittman said the raw data could be provided and confirmed the board could either keep a top-10 list or add an eleventh item. The board opted to include K–12 classroom experience as an additional consideration and approved the materials so the job posting can be posted immediately and remain open until Jan. 18, with candidate slates expected in February.

What’s next: With the profile and promotional materials approved, the search consultant will post the opening to national and state outlets and provide weekly updates on applicant numbers; the board will review a slate of candidates in February.