The New
Bedford Educators Association welcomes the opportunity to be part of the
discussion leading to the selection of the next superintendent of New Bedford
Public Schools. Our next superintendent will shape New Bedford Public Schools
for years to come as well as be responsible for the opportunities available to
our students right now.
The
successful candidate for superintendent will support educators in meeting our
students’ immediate needs and develop strategies alongside educators, parents
and other community leaders to continually strengthen New Bedford Public
Schools’ ability to address the academic, social and emotional needs of every
student.
For our
schools to be successful, it is essential that educators, parents and
administrators have shared goals and principles that are in service to our
students. While each stakeholder group has its own perspective deserving of
respectful consideration, decisions about the New Bedford Public Schools must
be made with one question foremost in mind: Is this good for students?
From an educator’s
perspective, a successful superintendent search will yield a candidate capable
of articulating clear, concise decisions. We expect to have input, and that
parents and other community leaders will have input, but in the end, the superintendent
must decisively implement policies that are in the best interests of our
schools and students.
Indecision
can be as damaging as a bad decision. It is essential that the next
superintendent has the ability to draw consensus around well-formulated plans.
The next
superintendent must keep an eye on the big picture while trusting educators and
building administrators to do their jobs. Establishing clear lines of communication
throughout the district will make it easier for all stakeholders to carry out their
roles while creating an environment that lets all of our students thrive.
The ideal
superintendent candidate will not be a traditional top-down manager but rather
be more like an orchestra conductor. We envision a superintendent who bring
together the educators, students, administrators, parents and elected leaders
in such a manner that these stakeholders are familiar with each other’s
perspectives, and that the various points of view can be harmoniously arranged
to bring out the best in our public schools.
The
successful superintendent will also be a stabilizing force. The NBEA is alarmed
by the number of resignations and departures from our district. Excessive
turnover is disruptive to our students.
While we
must naturally account for wisdom and expertise lost to retirements and welcome
the energy and insights of new educators, we must also create an environment
that makes seasoned educators want to stay in New Bedford. The next
superintendent will make it a priority to ensure New Bedford Public Schools are
not only hiring the best people — but also keeping the best people on the job.
The
upcoming change in leadership for New Bedford Public Schools is the perfect
time for all of us to assess the strength of our schools and to build on our
successes.
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