The process of selecting the next leader of Central Elementary School is underway as members of the school’s Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) council spend the first days of summer vacation screening and interviewing candidates for the position.
The council has held work sessions and been involved in trainings since mid-May as they work towards filling the vacant principal position. Earlier this spring, current principal Kevin Disney announced his resignation having accepted a position with the Fayette County Public Schools.
Input from the school community was one of the main objectives of the council and is critical as they move ahead with the search process.
“The members expressed a strong desire from day one of having stakeholder input in the decision, they wanted to hear what characteristics are wanted in their next leader,” said Superintendent Kelly Sprinkles, who is working with the council in the search process.
A survey was conducted at the end of school to gather input on the desired qualities of the next principal. The survey asked those responding to rank various attributes in the order of importance to them. The results show that stakeholders want the next principal to have strong leadership skills (including accountability, planning, and consistency), ability to create a positive school culture for all members of the school, and be approachable whether it is to address problems or discuss ideas that will move the school forward.
“The council will take those characteristics into consideration as they review applications and ask specific questions once interviews begin,” stated Sprinkles.
There were fourteen (14) completed applications for the position that were submitted within the thirty day posting window of May 3 – June 3. The council has started the process of narrowing down that list to five or six candidates that they will conduct personal interviews with and additional background screenings and reference checks on.
According to Sprinkles, the council anticipates naming the new principal by the week of June 27.
“It is important that the new school leader have time to work this summer to plan his or her vision for the school, review what is already in place, and have things ready for the first day of school,” stated Sprinkles.