The Sunnyvale School District Board of Education has begun the process for hiring a new superintendent and wants the public to be a part of the search. At a regular public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 10, the Board set a timeline for the process, with a target of having a new superintendent in place by July 1. The Board also announced a series of public input opportunities, including a survey on the qualities the Board should seek in a new superintendent.
“We have a history of collaborating with our community, maintaining sound finances, and supporting all of our students. We want to continue to build upon that with a new superintendent,” said Board President Michelle Maginot. “In order to have a successful superintendent search and find the best fit for our district, it is critical to receive input from our community and all the various stakeholders. We look forward to hearing what Sunnyvale has to share with us in the upcoming weeks.”
The survey is one way to gather input from families, SSD staff and members of the community on choosing the district’s new leader. The survey is brief and is available online in English and in Spanish at:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C6V8CKB
Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/52RJMJ3
The survey will run from Jan. 20 – 30. It is also available by going to www.sesd.org and looking under District News and Events.
Dr. Benjamin H. Picard, the superintendent since 2009, has announced that he will retire June 30.
The School Board adopted the following timeline for the search process:
- January – February: Board meets with consultants and determines characteristics, skills, and qualities desired in a new superintendent. Consultants meet with staff and community to receive input. Online survey is posted to district website. Consultants post recruitment materials and identify candidates.
- February – March: Deadline for application. Consultants complete comprehensive reference and background checks on applicants. Board meets with consultants, reviews all applications and selects finalists.
- March – May: Board interviews finalists. Board completes validation visit of leading candidate’s community and makes final decision. Board approves superintendent contract at a regularly scheduled meeting.
- July 1: Anticipated start date of the new superintendent.