By Staff
BRAINSTORMING Meridian School Board President Fred Wile, left, talks Monday with Richard Boyd and Andy Mullins, both of the University of Mississippi. The school board called a special meeting Monday to discuss what characteristics the city's new school superintendent should possess. Photo by Anna Wright/The Meridian Star
By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
June 10, 2003
Fred Wile, president of the Meridian School Board, said it's important for the board to take its time in choosing a new school superintendent instead of hiring someone quickly just to fill the vacancy.
Outgoing Superintendent Janet McLin's last day on the job is June 30.
School board members sat down for a brainstorming session Monday to discuss what qualities they think are necessary in a new superintendent.
Assisting the board in its decision-making process are University of Mississippi professors Richard Boyd and Andy Mullins. They are a part of a group of professors from Ole Miss that helps school districts in Mississippi in their searches for new leaders.
During the work session, each board member said what he or she thought was the most important quality the new superintendent should possess.
Ed Lynch, vice president of the board, said he wants the new superintendent to be decisive and be a good people manager. Doris Harper, board member, said she wants someone who is prepared to work with a district that faces challenges.
While no formal action was taken at the work session, the board outlined qualifications for a brochure that will be distributed to those interested in the job.
The board came up with a tentative time line for the search and decided to look nationally for a qualified candidate. The board also decided not to make a doctorate degree a prerequisite for the job.
Board member George Meyers said he does not feel that a doctorate is necessary; Mullins said he knows of several good candidates who do not have doctorates.
The board also discussed the possibility of focus groups to help with the search as well as involving the Meridian chapter of Parents for Public Schools and the PTA Council. The board also said they may hold a town meeting to get input from the community.
TENTATIVE TIME LINE
August: Focus groups, town meeting
February 2004: Deadline for applications
July 2004: Start date for new superintendent