Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 10-8-19

Feature
Hillsborough County School Superintendent Search Has Officially Begun
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
The announcement was made some months ago, but now it’s official: the search for a new Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent is on.
At a special workshop meeting on Wednesday, School Board members unanimously approved the candidate profile for the job presented by search firm, Ray and Associates, Inc.
Among the characteristics: the new district leader must be
someone who inspires trust, can make an impact, but make tough decisions, and be an ad- vocate for all students.
Educators aspiring to lead the nation’s eighth-largest school district have until Dec. 11 to apply.
However, it was easier for the Board to agree on those col- lection of points than on other matters, specifically how the job would be promoted.
The lack of a formal job de- scription was a sticking point for Stacy Hahn, who also noted that a promotional flyer
BOARD CHAIRWOMAN TAMARA SHAMBURGER
touting the job didn’t offer enough details.
“It can’t be just 12 bullet points,” she said. “I think we need to be extremely clear and comprehensive in what we’re looking for in a leader.”
The flyer didn’t offer any more information about the job that couldn’t be found on the district’s website, she said.
Board member Melissa Snively concurred, calling the flyer “too busy” and omitting information about the cultural and recreational amenities in the Tampa Bay area.
“This is a way of life we’re trying to sell,” she said.
But Board member Steve Cona disagreed, saying the flyer won’t deter serious appli- cants.
“This job is highly attrac- tive,” he said. “(Candidates) are just waiting for the application so they can fill it out.”
Board Chairwoman,
Tamara Shamburger
agreed.
“If any person picks up this
flyer and says it’s too many words on it, they’re not the right person for the job,” she said. “Before any candidate asks about the weather, they should be asking about district needs.”
PAGE 2 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019