THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 5, 1995 TAG: 9502030197
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATRICIA HUANG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 137 lines
THE SEARCH AMONG current school employees for a new superintendent resulted in five candidates by last Tuesday's application deadline.
The identities of the candidates were not revealed.
After meeting with civic league presidents and other local leaders in December, School Board members decided early this year to give first consideration to current employees of Chesapeake Public Schools.
The new superintendent will succeed C. Fred Bateman, who will retire this summer after 15 years on the job.
School Board Chairman Jessie Lee Jr. said the decision to interview insiders first was a matter of respect for administrators who have helped Bateman build a successful school system. He said the board has placed a high priority on maintaining stability during the transition. Most local leaders who attended the December meeting to discuss the superintendent position emphasized their desire to continue the conservative tone that has characterized Bateman's tenure.
But some Chesapeake parents, upset with the School Board's decision, criticized the selection process at Tuesday night's board meeting.
``We cannot afford to continue in the status quo of this system,'' Patricia Chappell told the board.
Chappell, who has a son at Great Bridge Elementary School, said she is unhappy with the school system's ranking in Literary Passport scores below Norfolk, Virginia Beach and the state average. ``I think they should be actively looking outside (for candidates),'' Chappell said.
Another parent, James Remich, was also unhappy with the city schools' performance and results of the Virginia Outcome Accountability Project, a sort of report card for schools across the state.
``If the performance was there, then I'd say, `Fine. We have the best talent here. Let's go with it,' '' Remich said. ``But even if (the city's performance) was average, which it's not, would we say, `OK, let's get someone average.' Would you hire an average doctor or an average lawyer?''
School Board Chairman Lee stressed that the in-house search would not be the board's only effort.
``If a suitable candidate could not be found inward, then we'll look elsewhere,'' he said. ``There have been people who have indicated they believe that it is a closed loop. No, it is not a closed loop. It is an open process, and this board will do its best to select the best candidate.''
Remich criticized the board, saying that not opening the search to all candidates right away was limiting the success of the school system's future.
Board members will begin interviewing the five in-house applicants this week, said Edward L. Hughes, clerk to the board.
Hughes also added that the internal selection process could save the city up to $40,000, since hiring a consultant to do statewide or national employee searches can cost that much.
The board's action comes 10 weeks after Bateman made a surprise announcement that he would retire this summer after 19 years of service in Chesapeake, 15 as superintendent. The next superintendent contract term is scheduled to begin on Aug. 1 at the head of the new school year, but Lee said there is no rush to fill the position by that date. If a suitable candidate is not found by that time, an interim superintendent may be appointed, he said.
``We have no deadline. . . There is a rush in a sense, but still we want to do the best job,'' he said.
During the meeting, the board also fine-tuned the language in a written list of criteria to be used in the selection of the superintendent. The criteria include suggestions made by those who spoke at the December public hearing.
``I'm looking at this as a lawyer, frankly,'' said board member James J. Wheaton, who along with board member Lynn K. Pierce dissented on the decision to give first consideration to inside candidates. ``OK, here are what the words say. Is what I'm thinking in line with what these words are saying?''
The board amended the statement slightly. Changes included adding the word ``effectively,'' to ``Has the ability to delegate authority. . . .''
Preference will be given to someone who has experience in dealing with the problems of a large school district. MEMO: CRITERIA FOR SUPERINTENDENT
Personal
Good health
Active in community affairs
Possesses good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate
with others
Has the quality of leadership necessary for dealing with the School
Board, school personnel and the community in a positive fashion.
Understands the role of the board and its need for timely and
accurate information.
Has the respect of his professional colleagues
Adheres to the highest standards of ethics, honesty and integrity in
all personal and professional matters
Is capable of flexibility and open-mindedness; i.e., approachable
Professional Preparation
Eligible to be approved by the Board of Education to be a
superintendent in the state of Virginia.
An earned doctorate is preferred
Has a proven record of success and demonstrates a commitment to a
deep understanding of the concept of public education.
Professional Experience and Understanding
Has had successful experience as a teacher and administrator
Successful experience as an assistant superintendent or
superintendent is preferred but not required.
Preference will be given to a person who has had a successful
experience in dealing with the problems of a large school system; i.e.,
capable of dealing with overcrowding and growth issues.
Ability to understand complex fiscal matters.
Respect for and willingness to acknowledge and take into account the
history, traditions, and values of the school system and the community.
Professional Traits
Demonstrates a progressive, open-minded innovative approach toward
improvements in the educational process.
Understands the need to expand technology both in the classroom and
in system-wide operations.
Has the ability to delegate authority effectively to other people.
Sensitive to race and gender issues.
Has a vision for preparing students for work; i.e., tech prep,
vocational trade, or college education and to be able to compete
successfully after graduation.
Has the ability to motivate people and clearly articulate goals, and
must also be able to define accountability in achieving goals.
Has a clear understanding of school board - administrative
relationship and the use of policy in the direction and control of
school affairs.
Has a vision for excellence.
Contract and Salary
Virginia State Law requires that a superintendent may serve for an
initial term of not less than two years, nor more than four years. The
contract term for the new superintendent will begin August 1, 1995. The
superintendent will be required to establish residence in Chesapeake.
The salary to be paid will be commensurate with the applicant's
experience and qualifications. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Jessie Lee Jr.
by CNB