Ann Arbor schools superintendent search firm says candidate pool looks favorable
Previous coverage:
The window to apply for the Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent position closed Friday. And while the final application count has not been released, the search firm hired by AAPS is optimistic about the candidate pool.
AAPS Superintendent Patricia Green is retiring July 9. The Board of Education is in the process of hiring her replacement.
Newman said consultants with the search firm are screening the initial candidate pool this week and plan to communicate with the board by Friday about the applications.
"We would consider (the posting) to have been successful. … The numbers don't matter anyway," Newman said. "It's really about how many quality applicants you receive. What we're doing is screening the applications to get down to those that really are qualified."
He said the consultants do background checks as well as interviews before communicating with the board.
"The Ann Arbor board was really serious about having a good match between their needs and the candidates' qualifications," Newman said.
He added that the board developed an extensive list of criteria, and Ray & Associates is comparing the applications yielded by the posting with that criteria.
Among the set of qualities the board stated it desires in a new superintendent is the ability to handle criticism and to build personal relationships with the school community. The board also specified the superintendent should have a "visionary drive" and experience working with media outlets and social media sites.
A representative from Ray & Associates is expected to be in Ann Arbor June 26 to meet with the school board in executive session to discuss the applications that make it past the initial screening. Following the 2 p.m. executive session meeting, the board will convene a regular meeting beginning at 7 p.m., at which the board will announce the semifinalists for the position.
The board is planning to schedule visits to the district and onsite interviews with each of the semifinalists the week of July 7, with finalists being announced at the end of the week and finalists' interviews taking place the week of July 14.
The Board of Education will conduct four community forums/feedback sessions on Wednesday, June 19, starting at 9 a.m. and stretching until 9:30 p.m.
The board wants to hear from community members about what they would value in the district's next superintendent, what qualities and career credentials the schools could benefit from as well as what questions the board should ask each of the candidates.
The board hopes to have a new leader in place in time for the start of the 2013-14 academic year this fall.
AAPS Superintendent Patricia Green will be retiring effective July 9 after two years in the district. She was hired in July 2011 on a five-year contract for $245,000. She resigned at around 1:30 a.m. on April 11.
The next superintendent will make between $180,000 to $220,000, the school board decided.
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
Jim Clarkson
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:08 p.m.
#1 why is this position not being filled in house, meaning is there no one currently in the system that can do this position and #2 is this the same firm that conducted the last search?
AMOC
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.
Jim - The most probable answer to # 1 is that the few current AAPS employees who want the job are not people the Board of Ed believes would be the best people available. It may yet turn out that they hire a local or internal applicant, but if anyone in-house has applied for the job, they haven't publicly announced that fact yet. The answer to #2 is yes, the same search firm is giving AAPS a "free" do-over. Because Dr. Green left AAPS after less than 2 years, Ray & Associates offered to waive their fee and conduct a new search for only direct expenses, which are mostly the cost to place ads and conduct certain types of background checks.
a2xarob
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
Any local person with the experience and qualities required to be Sup of a district this size and complexity wd never apply for this job. Know-nothings carping about a $200k-+ salary to manage a $200,000,000 + budget, viscious parents who advocate only for their own lil Johnny's particular program w no regard for what is best for the district over-all, and a board which is pulled in all directions by the demands to do ever more for all constituents with less and less coming from a legislature which seems out to destroy good public schools like ours. We will be lucky if we get anyone to apply for this position.
JB SHOOTER
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
A position listed at $200k in one of the best cities to live in- in the USA and the pool is favorable. I would be greatly disappointed if it wasn't. I would expect to be terminated if it wasn't and I worked for Ray and Associates. Don't know why there isn't someone in AA or at least Michigan doing the search for AA?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Gee, do you think that a major reason that there are so few high quality candidates to lead one of the state's premier school districts is due to 1) the fact that no school district in the State of Michigan has control of its revenue stream and 2) that the tea party legislature, having drastically cut K-12 funding in favor of tax cuts, insists on micromanaging the state's schools due to the financial crises that it--the legislature and the governor--created in the the first place? Naaaaah. Couldn't be. GN&GL
Basic Bob
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.
ed, that is not even a consideration. the people applying for this job already suffer from budget constraints in their current jobs. this is the only way to get ahead - take a risk and build your.resume. it will be difficult for any incoming superintendent to manage a budget unless they can convince the boe to back them. I hope you remember what happened to the superintendent that questioned whether we could afford to operate six high schools.
Goober
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
Well said, Itchy!
Itchy
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
Hogwash! Any viable, good candidate has already done research on the BOE and has decided that they would be horrible bosses and non-existent support to the changes that need to take place in our school system. The teachers are the true talent of our education system and process. All other positions are support. If the support value can not be measured, then the support position should be eliminated. Our school system should be swimming in adequate revenue. But, due to our poor decisions and mismanagement, we are quick to find others to blame. As voters in Ann Arbor, we have to blame ourselves for electing the current BOE members.
Jack Gladney
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.
"The numbers don't matter anyway," said the spokesman from the Buy One, Get One Free search firm as its client cashed in the "get one free" coupon. I love it.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.
Hahahahaha love it! Good one!
Blazingly Busy
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
You, Mr. Gladney, owe me a new keyboard. I laughed so hard at this comment that I spewed my diet coke all over the place.
Dog Guy
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
It seems backwards that the Board of Education will conduct four community forums/feedback sessions a month before they interview any candidates. Nationally proven selection formats could ensure citizen input: Ann Arbor's Next Top Manager, So You Think You Can Lead, Last Superintendent Sitting, The Original Administrator Hour, Executive Idol, Who Wants To Be A Head Honcho?, Top Chief.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
Survivor?
AMOC
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
LOL!
DonBee
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
Dog Guy - Great Idea, we could fix the budget hole with a reality TV show.
A Voice of Reason
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.
Gary Court is the man they need. Smart, principled , and effective leader bring parents and teachers together and does the right thing.
talker
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
P.S. I remember him from Clague. Then he left Clague to take a position at another school.
talker
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 9:33 p.m.
He was a gem in the system over 20 years ago and likely remains a gem now.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
I was on a hiring committee with Gary Court. Seemed like a stand up, likeable man.
A Voice of Reason
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.
an effective leader bringing parents....
Carole
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
Question: Why are we paying out of state consultants to find an employee for Ann Arbor?
Basic Bob
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
the unemployment figures for former assembly line workers with no education is irrelevant. superintendent candidates are all fully employed unless they have a criminal record.
ligrasp
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
I second your question. This seems to me an outrageous expense. Given the unemployment figures for Michigan it would seem to me that at least we could hire locally.
AMOC
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
We mostly aren't, Carole. Ray & Associates is doing this search for only their direct expenses (low 5 figures rather than high 6 figures) because Dr. Green resigned / retired less than 2 full years after she was hired. Ray & Associates (the consultants) have a guarantee that unconditionally covers having the selected candidate stay for at least 2 years.
maizemama
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Will Ray & Associates tell us how many of the candidates are Broad Superintendent Academy graduates (like Patricia Green)? I think we need to be wary of these graduates and their agenda. Here is some reading on the topic: http://parentsacrossamerica.org/how-to-tell-if-your-school-district-is-infected-by-the-broad-virus/
DonBee
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
If they want this one to be successful they need to find: 1) Someone who understands and enjoys an engaged community 2) Someone who can direct and channel an unruly staff 3) Someone who can deal with budget issues, and deal with sacred "cows" in the budget If the board wants the new superintendent to be successful they will: 1) Limit goals and objectives to 3 to 5 - no more laundry lists of 30. 2) Provide clear guidance of policy for special education, discipline, yearly progress, etc. 3) Let the superintendent decide how in-service days are used. 4) Back the superintendent no matter how unpopular the decisions seem to be to the hilt. Since none of this will happen, the superintendent will have a 2 to 3 year term and be gone. Best thing the board can do is write a 2 year contract with 2 option years, so that no one is embarrassed when this hire leaves after 2 years. OBTW - I too found the ad embarrassing, lacking in specifics for the job and qualifications. I am not surprised that only the "usual suspects" from Ray&Associates applied, I suspect they had to twist some arms to get a list together. To Danielle - I know it will never happen, but a post exit interview with Dr. Green on the real reasons she left would be fascinating, so long as it was not a softball interview.
DonBee
Fri, Jun 21, 2013 : 7:50 p.m.
Ms. Maria Huffman - Absolute, no, I am not on the board, and I don't make policy. Are they good practice? Yes. Will they help make the next superintendent successful? Yes. Will they make a difference in the district? Yes.
Maria Huffman
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 11:06 a.m.
To DonBee, these ifs, are they absolutes for you?
DonBee
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
Local - You have every right to be upset, I understand the issue. If they had sold the Freeman school in Dixboro and done a reasonable job at cutting administrative overhead, there would have been no reason to cut teachers. There are 3 dozen other suggestions I have made that would have kept the cuts out of the classrooms. All the contracts need to be revisited for language, they have not to a large extent in a decade - the last 3 contract updates have been about salary issues mostly.
local
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
DonBee, I would argue that teachers are upset because our paychecks continue to get smaller and our BOE doesn't want to cut any special interest programs to anger the parents of Ann Arbor. Instead, the burden is placed on teacher layoffs, teacher pay cuts, and other union groups giving (of course, except for principals). Then to have Mike Madison go out in public and argue that teacher contracts need to be re-visited, set forth a chain reaction by teachers in a way that seems negative. The bottom line is this: We need a local applicant to come forth and say, "I want this job because I know Ann Arbor and I know what is best for Ann Arbor!" We need our BOE to stop caving to special interest groups and make the necessary cuts to programs that might anger people. It is interesting how families seem to get engaged when it directly affects something they want, need, or don't want to lose. Lastly, we need people to realize that most of the groups that work with kids EVERYDAY are the ones that continue to take the hit when it comes to budget fixes. I can't remember the last time a principal or Balas worker taught a lesson, did a parent teacher conference, or completed a report card. Yet the people who are doing those things take less money, and those who aren't doing those things make more.
DonBee
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
sh1 - You may consider them rumors, what I hear when I am in the buildings, I consider to be feelings that translate into issues the new superintendent will have to deal with. If you don't like the use of "unruly" than consider the use of the word "unhappy", maybe you find that more in line with what you feel as a staff member.
sh1
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
The AAAA list was a mixed bag that had some truly good ideas in it, but I don't consider it unruly. Also, rumors that can't be substantiated do not count as evidence.
DonBee
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
All you have to do sh1 is look at the quad-A list of proposals and their lack of negotiations on their contract to know that there are issues that need to be dealt with. If you walk the halls and listen to the discussion on teacher evaluation, there are undercurrents of a teacher's strike too, in some buildings.
sh1
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
An "engaged" community but an "unruly" staff? I would say the staff is engaged, too. How have they been unruly in recent examples?
local
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
The BOE should have learned the first time and not let this search group touch the collection of candidates. This job needs to be filled locally, by someone who understands Ann Arbor and has had experience at ALL levels of education. Then again, the BOE voted in an interim with none of those qualifications, maybe they just don't get it.
ligrasp
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
I couldn't agree more. I firmly believe that this should be an inside job and that candidates within the school system should be encouraged and enabled to be prepared for this position.
Goober
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
They don't get it. The AA BOE is inept, clueless and lost.
Floyd
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
I saw the ad in Edweek the other day and was unimpressed: there was one sentence about qualifications, which included the word "visionary," and the rest of the add (two thirds total) was about the salary being between 180,000 and 200,000 dollars. The other ads for superintendent on the same page did not devote the bulk of their copy to details about salary, but instead many discussed real qualifications and the context of the job. In fact, none of the other ads on that page discussed salary in detail. I do not feel this community is getting its money's worth with this search firm, especially since we know their track record.
RUKiddingMe
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
If this ad compared with others is actually poor in the ways Floyd outlines, I would say several people need serious pushes from maangement and the community at large; assuming the ad copy was authored by someone on the A2 team, this whole organization continues to fail at every level and at every opportunity. How many more years before we're just Little Detroit?
DonBee
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
Floyd - The BOE does not know what they want, so all they can do is offer salary figures.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
"The AA Board was really serious about having a good match between their needs and the candidates qualifications". What, and they were just joking around last time with Green, and were willing to take anyone? No, you need to find SEVERAL quality candidates. Seriously. That's what you were paid to do. So go back and look some more, Ray & Assoc., 'cause you obviously only have a few, and that won't do. Get with the program.
thinker
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 11:34 a.m.
So this means that the board did not consider someone" living locally and knowing the community" an essential quality in a future superintendent? Sounds like no one in the Ann Arbor school community will be chosen?
AMOC
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
The "living locally and knowing the community" criterion was not paramount, and since we haven't had any local candidates identify themselves yet, there's no way to say if someone local may or may not get the job. With a single exception who hasn't really been here long enough to be sure about, there is no employee of AAPS who I would recommend for the job. But I'm just an unusually activist parent, not a trustee or school system employee.
olddog
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
I 'd love to see the quote that matches this from the last search. It is groung hog day in Ann Arbor. We can only hope that we will wake up in July with a new, improved, forward moving, action taking hero at the helm. We would consider (the posting) to have been successful. … The numbers don't matter anyway," Newman said. "It's really about how many quality applicants you receive."
TheDiagSquirrel
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 10:25 a.m.
"We would consider (the posting) to have been successful. … The numbers don't matter anyway," Newman said. "It's really about how many quality applicants you receive." So...it makes no difference how many total applicants you get, as long as you get one or two you deem qualified? No wonder you botched the first search.