School-chief search qualities OK'd

SCOTTSDALE - The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board knows what it wants for a new superintendent.

The board Tuesday approved 4-0 a leadership profile that the superintendent search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates will use when considering candidates for the job.

Board member Molly Holzer was absent.

Fred Schroeder, the search firm's senior associate, prepared the profile with a colleague after interviewing 127 people over five days.

The profile includes characteristics, as requested by parents, teachers, staff, and administrators:

The superintendent needs to be creative, respectful, involved and able to effectively manage a large district with limited finances.

Schroeder said that a theme from all parties interviewed was putting students first.

"This aspect of students learning and student concerns as primary and paramount I think is very, very interesting and critical," Schroeder said.

Parents, teachers, staff and administration all told interviewers that a new superintendent must be able to "engage all segments of the district and community in honest and respectful two-way communications" the report said. The profile also said a new superintendent needs "unquestioned integrity, with exceptional communication, interpersonal and consensus building skills."

The profile also detailed what the district values, like committed parents, culture promoting "disagreement without being disagreeable," financial progress, and Learning Leadership Team. The profile also listed challenges the district faces, including the Arizona funding system, open enrollment, school closings, and retaining teachers and administrators.