Here’s what people want in new CMS Superintendent

The next Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent must have proven experiences when it comes to improving student performance, especially in closing achievement and opportunity gaps.

This is according to the results from a CMS survey released to the public on Tuesday.

More than 1,700 people took the online survey, which asked respondents to select their top-five qualifications for a school superintendent.

In addition to having a track record of success, respondents also said they value a leader who can implement strategies to keep effective and diverse employees and understands educational issues and trends.

“The superintendent needs to be able to make sound effective decisions without fear of what the Board or others think especially if it is for the improvement of student achievement and retention of staff,” said one unnamed respondent.

Said another: “Ensure that the new superintendent’s views align with the greater good and for growth. We need a leader who can listen and is empathetic yet strong. Put teachers and children first, test scores and money next.”

The chart below lists the survey respondents’ top-5 qualifications:

978 participants (68%) selected: Demonstrates experience with improving student performance, especially in closing achievement and opportunity gaps
893 participants (62%) selected: Demonstrates successful experience leading an organization with diverse cultures through an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect
832 participants (58%) selected: Implements successful retention strategies to keep effective and diverse employees
742 participants (52%) selected: Understands the impact of early childhood education and demonstrates success in implementing strategies that improve reading and literacy at all levels
716 participants (50%) selected: Possesses knowledge of educational issues, trends, and federal and state regulations and requirements

The survey’s purpose was to gather input on what the community wants in the next CMS Superintendent.

The school board has been working with consulting firm Civility Localized to determine what parents and community members were looking for in a new CMS superintendent.

The eight-week community engagement initiative, that lasted from Sept. 26 to Dec. 13., included interviews, focus groups, a survey, and community listening sessions to learn what people want in the district’s next leader.

There were approximately 1,714 survey responses and over 200 people participated in the focus group, listening session or interviews.

“The goal was to gain as many perspectives as possible,” Christine Edwards, Founder of Civility Localized, said. “We value the lived experiences of each participant and hope this report illuminates the needs and priorities of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community in an authentic way.”

The board will begin conducting its official search with an expectation of hiring the superintendent by summer.

Results are below:

Question: How long have you lived in Charlotte- Mecklenburg?

Question: Select the 5 qualifications that you feel are the most important in the selection of a new Superintendent in the area of Engaged Communities: which includes involvement in the Charlotte- Mecklenburg region and sustainable use of community resources.

826 participants (62%) selected: Evaluates and revises systems and procedures to improve efficiency and transparency
813 participants (61%) selected: Promotes and advocates for students and public education regularly
773 participants (58%) selected: Demonstrates excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills 600 participants (45%) selected: Is highly visible and actively participates in school and community activities
587 participants (44%) selected: Leads and advocates for the district by building successful relationships with all stakeholders

Question: This question asked participants to select their category of community member identity. Participants were allowed to select all categories that applied.

847 participants (62%) identify as Parent and/or Guardian of a CMS Student

414 participants (30%) identify as Interested and/or Invested Charlotte-Mecklenburg area Resident

391 participants (29%) identify as Current CMS Employee

181 participants (13%) identify as Interested and/or Invested CMS Stakeholder

174 participants (13%) identify as Former CMS Student

132 participants (10%) identify as Educational Support Non-profit Leader or Member or Business Owner

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