news-record.com

GREENSBORO — A split Guilford County Board of Education decided Thursday not to limit applications for its superintendent position to candidates with teaching experience.


Should the candidate have teaching experience? Join the discussion at the Debatables blog.


But board members made it clear that they want their future leader to have experience working with young learners. Darlene Garrett, Nancy Routh and Garth Hébert said they would find it difficult to hire someone without that background.


"In order for a nontraditional candidate to get buy-in from the educators in this district, that person would have to be superspectacular-outstanding," member Amos Quick said.


The board completed a list of 12 characteristics they seek in a superintendent, which will be published on a flier sent to potential candidates by search firm Ray and Associates.


The board hired the Iowa-based firm to find a replacement for Terry Grier, who left Guilford County Schools in March to lead the San Diego Unified School District.


The firm will accept applications until June 3. The board hopes to hire someone by the start of the 2008-09 academic year.


The characteristics largely pointed out the desire by school board members, district employees and the public for a visible, charismatic leader who would build consensus among various stakeholders, further narrow student achievement gaps and foster better student behavior in schools.


Board member Dot Kearns said she wants a superintendent who has the courage to make tough decisions after considering others' viewpoints.


"I think it's important for any of us to listen, but sometimes you have to make a decision that is different from what you hear," Kearns said.


Garrett pushed the board to prioritize support for arts and music education, but fellow board members were concerned about singling out subject areas.


"Over and over again they (the community) have said the arts are important," she said.

Contact Morgan Josey Glover at 373-7078 or morgan.josey@news-record.com