Fairfax County will be getting a new superintendent at the end of the school year in response to the retirement of current superintendent Jack Dale.
The search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates was commissioned by the School Board to search for a new superintendent by collecting input from employees, parents, and the Fairfax County community.
Principal Jay Pearson, along with other high school and middle school principals, collectively provided feedback for the qualities the school board wants in a superintendent.
No matter who is chosen, Pearson believes that the change will not have drastic implications for the student body.
“It really depends on who they select,” Pearson said.
Members of the Student Advisory Council, who work with both the School Board and superintendent, also believe the shift will not make a critical difference.
However, “the focus of our meetings may change,” SAC member Will Ferrer, junior, said.
For the screening, the search firm created a list of desired characteristics for potential superintendents, including, “visionary leadership,” a quality also valued by Pearson.
“I think in a system this big, the superintendent needs to come in and provide some direction and vision,” Pearson said.
Screenings of potential candidates began at the end of January and the last rounds of selection will take place later this spring.
2013-02-20