Friday, August 6, 2010

CCSD Superintendent Hiring Watch

Last week it was announced that current Superintendent, Walt Ruffles has extended his contract into January, as there has not been a new superintendent hired as of yet.
Why?
Ruffles announced his retirement on March 25th, over 4 months ago. As of this date, we have had no names, interviews or anything else directly related to finding a new superintendent. Why?
The district did hire a search firm to find a new superintendent but what have they done?
My thinking is that there are not a lot of quality candidates out there. The pay for superintendent is not that good. Sure, it is around $250,000 with good benefits. But a quality candidate can make almost that much as an education consultant and with out the hassle. A quality candidate could also make that much running a medium to large corporation as well.
They would be coming to a district that is facing a huge cash shortfall, or at least that is what they tell us. There will be more cutting (teachers and support staff that is, not experts or consultants and few administrators), it is a politically charged atmosphere between the different political factions in the Valley and County. You are second guessed constantly and criticized at every turn. Finally, you have to deal with unions (which are fairly weak), parents, administrators, a press that really doesn't what is going on and with all the headaches that go along with the job.
So, who would apply to do the job.?
As in the case of Milwaukee, WI., perhaps not too many people. Milwaukee just hired a new superintendent. His credentials? He only ran the worst school district in Pennsylvania (Chester, PA). Wow, some credentials.
And that is why I am not so sure we are going to get a quality superintendent. If Milwaukee can only get the worst school administrator in Pennsylvania, what can CCSD expect to get? The 4th worst administrator in New Jersey?
Hopefully, it will not come down to that. After all, Milwaukee put it's main emphasis on race and virtually nothing else. If CCSD strayed race neutral, then they have a chance to get a quality superintendent, no matter what race the person is.
So, what will we see in the next month? Probably nothing but hopefully, we will have a list of quality candidates within 2 months.

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