The search for a new Chatham County Superintendent began in mid January when Dr. Jordan announced his resignation to pursue a career with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. He valiantly served our community as superintendent for almost 8 years. The interim superintendent, Dr. Bridges was sworn in on January 12.
Chatham County Schools serves approximately 8,900 students from prekindergarten through twelfth grade. The school system operates 20 schools on 19 campuses, including 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 5 K8 schools, 5 high schools, and an early college. It is the largest employer in Chatham County, with approximately 1,200 employees who are ‘committed to graduating globally competitive and confident students by providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum in a supportive, safe, and nurturing learning environment.’
The North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) is helping to facilitate the superintendent search. With their help, the Chatham County Board of Education launched a survey in January seeking input on the characteristics, experience and skills desired in the district’s next superintendent. The survey divided the answers between community and staff input. There were 464 community surveys completed and 133 staff surveys completed.
Based on the survey, these were the top five community priorities in a superintendent:
- Understands how to provide safe environments for students and staff
- Communicates well with people of all races and socioeconomic status
- Understands how to effectively advocate for resources needed to operate the schools
- Knows how to get staff, students, parents, and community to work together to help children learn
- Has strong human relations or “people skills”
Based on the survey, these were the top five staff priorities in a superintendent:
- Communicates well with people of all races and socioeconomic status
- Understands how to provide safe environments for students and staff
- Has strong human relations or “people skills”
- Knows how to get staff, students, parents, and community to work together to help children learn
- Communicates well with all community groups
As stated by Mr. Leonard, the Chatham County Board of Education Chairman, during an interview with Mr. McCann, the school board is looking for a candidate who exemplifies some of the following qualifications:
- How to protect our children and provide safe learning environments
- A good communicator
- A good educational leader
- Someone who understands education research
- A team builder amongst staff, parents, and students
- Someone who promotes equity throughout our schools
- A leader who is not afraid to take risks but does it in a way that won’t hurt our school system or students.
The application process ended on March 8. The search generated strong interest from 18 states and territories; they received 45 applications. This proves that Chatham County is highly sought after. The current contract with Dr. Bridges ends at the end of June. Ideally, a successful candidate will be found prior to June.
