CMS discusses firm’s search for new superintendent

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board wants a superintendent with a track record of enhancing student growth in things, such as math and science.

The community also wants someone who is approachable.

However, everyone likely won’t get everything they want in the final candidate.

The school board search committee is finalizing a leadership profile that the full CMS board will vote on in the future.

The profile will be used to screen which candidates will be selected for interviews.

Search firm BWP and Associates, which is assisting with the search, compiled qualities and characteristics from a community survey conducted last fall. There were also dozens of meetings held last week with community groups, CMS staff, and parents.

Helpful Links:

• Community Audit and Leadership Profile Report
• Community Engagement Audit and Leadership Profile Report

“Staff, students -- it’s the first time I think we’re hearing in depth from them, which is great,” said Summer Nunn, CMS School Board member.

The profile says the appointee should:

• Be an experienced leader and highly visible in the community
• A student-centered leader
• Someone who is strong and culturally competent
• Is politically savvy
• Understands North Carolina school finance

However, the profile seemed to leave the committee less than excited.

“Our motto for the board is student outcome-focused governance, and that’s not identified here,” said Stephanie Sneed, CMS School Board member.

“There’s a little bit in here but not as much as I thought would be in here,” Nunn said.

“Proven results with academics, ability to execute on a strategy, like I see a lot in here about vision and passion,” said Elyse Dashew, CMS School Board member. “Those are important.”

The search is on a tight timeline and the date to hire someone has already been delayed once by two weeks.

There are less than three weeks before applications can be submitted.

The search committee is hoping to select between four and eight candidates for interviews.

A vote was on the agenda Tuesday night.

However, the vote on the leadership profile was taken off the agenda and instead the school board will hold a special meeting Thursday.

VIDEO: Community provides feedback on CMS superintendent search

Community provides feedback on CMS superintendent search

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