From Middlesboro Independent Schools -
The Middlesboro Independent School Board recently met with their consultant, Andy Kim, to finalize the criteria for selecting a new Superintendent.
The Board is looking for a candidate with strong leadership abilities, a proven record of enhancing student achievement (including notable improvements in test scores), and excellent communication skills to foster collaboration with the Board, staff, and community. The ideal candidate should have a well-defined strategy for improving the Middlesboro Independent School District and the resilience to overcome challenges.
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The Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA) will lead the search process, assisting in recruiting applicants and supporting both the Screening Committee and the Board throughout the process.
According to KRS 160.352, the Screening Committee will be composed of the following members:
2 teachers, elected by district teachers
1 Board member, appointed by the Board Chair
1 Principal, elected by district principals
1 Parent, elected by the Presidents of the district's PTO organizations
1 Classified employee, elected by the district's classified employees
Each group will receive adequate notice regarding the election’s date, time, place, and purpose. Serving on the Screening Committee will require a significant time commitment. Interested individuals must be confident they can fulfill their responsibilities to avoid delays due to the need for additional elections.
The vacancy was posted by KSBA and the district on March 14. All applicants will have 30 days to apply. During this period, the Screening Committee will be elected, and Tim Eaton, the KSBA liaison, will meet with the committee to discuss the process and sign Confidentiality Agreements.
Once the Screening Committee is elected, the timeline for selecting a new Superintendent will be as follows:
April 14: Application period closes
April 23: Joint meeting with the Screening Committee, Board, and Tim Eaton
May 14: Second Screening Committee meeting to select applicants for background and reference checks
May 21: Third Screening Committee meeting to finalize recommendations for the Board
May 28: Joint meeting between the Board and Screening Committee to review recommendations; Board planning meeting to follow
TBD: Board Interviews
The final selection of the new Superintendent will be at the discretion of the Board members, based on the applications and interviews, which may or may not align with the Screening Committee’s recommendations.