What do CMS students want in the district’s new superintendent? Here’s what they say.

Students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools want a leader who is caring, transparent, a good listener and willing to take criticism, according to a report released last week by the firm conducting the district’s superintendent search.

BWP and Associates conducted 27 community engagement sessions across two days this month, and the school board adopted a leadership profile last Thursday. The sessions and profile also drew from community engagement Charlotte-based consulting firm Civility Localized conducted last fall.

The profile lists desired qualifications and characteristics stakeholders want in the district’s next superintendent. Those include an experienced leader who will be highly visible in the schools and community, a focused leader who believes in accountability, and someone who is approachable, politically savvy and a good communicator, among other traits.

Dozens of high school students consulted during the engagement process say they want a student-centered leader with a willingness to engage with students “honestly and eagerly — transparency is very important — it’s important that the superintendent is willing to explain why certain things are happening,” according to the report.

“It’s very important we listen to staff, students and communities,” said Summer Nunn, the chair of the search committee that includes CMS Board Chair Elyse Dashew, Vice Chair Stephanie Sneed and board member Lenora Shipp. “We’re going to take the time. ... We heard you guys. We’re listening to you guys.”

‘Student voice is needed’

During engagement sessions, students praised CMS for its diversity and the opportunities the district offers students.

“(CMS) has a diverse academic range — there are a lot of programs for different people that are interested in pursuing different fields,” one student said.

But students also say they have concerns over safety on campuses, a disconnect between the school board and superintendent and that a “student voice is needed,” one student said.

“There are many times where the students’ concerns are not actually brought up before the School Board and superintendent,” another student said.

One student told consultants the new superintendent needs to have a willingness to engage with students “honestly and eagerly,” and students and teachers should be involved in solutions.

Another student added that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work when a school has students from so many different economic backgrounds. Leaders should make decisions for “an area instead of trying to treat the whole problem at one time.”

CMS looking at new timeline for leader

A new timeline has emerged in CMS’ superintendent search, according to BWP and Associates.

The application deadline is March 30, and the board will conduct first-round interviews the week of April 17-23. After a second round of interviews, the board is scheduled to choose a finalist and negotiate a contract the week of May 1-7. Board members originally hoped to choose the new superintendent and approve a contract by April 3.

The board will announce a new superintendent May 9, according to the search firm’s planned next steps presented last week. Board members expect the new superintendent to start on or before July 1.

The district is looking for a permanent superintendent after hiring six people to lead the district since 2012. Interim Superintendent Crystal Hill was hired in December to lead the district and the prior interim leader, Hugh Hattabaugh, resigned for family reasons.

“(The new superintendent) needs to be tough because CMS is a very large district — we are under a microscope and everyone is looking at us,” one student said. “There are so many different needs within different areas of Charlotte, within different schools. It ultimately comes down to who’s going to be able to handle that stress.”