February 9, 2010

Executive Summary

This report summarizes the findings of the Leadership Profile Assessment conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, Ltd. (HYA) for the Board of Trustees of the Reed Union School District.  The data contained in this report represents input from 92 individuals who participated in interviews and/or completed Leadership Profile Assessment forms.  The consultants met with stakeholders identified by the Board in individual interviews or focus group settings on January 14 and 22, 2010.  The questionnaire, interviews, and focus groups were structured to gather data to assist the Board in determining the primary characteristics it might seek in its next superintendent of schools.  Through this process, the consultants identified the personal and professional characteristics desired in the superintendent, as well as the skills necessary to maintain what the respondents valued, to address current and emerging challenges which the District may be facing.

There were many District strengths enumerated by the respondents.  Reed is seen as an extremely supportive community which places a high value on education and where there are high expectations for everyone.  The vast majority of students are college bound.  The Board, administration, faculty, and staff are viewed as exceptional - professional, dedicated, and caring.  There is strong, effective leadership.  Teachers are seen as a key asset.  The academic and enrichment programs are challenging and students perform at a high level.  The Reed Union School District is forward thinking and is known for its commitment to innovation.  The District's Strategic Plan guides program development.  Small class size is very much appreciated.  The District is strong financially, with Basic Aid, parcel tax, bond, Foundation, and PTA support.  Parents and community members provide substantial funds and volunteer time to ensure that resources for learning are available.  There is a strong commitment to technology. There is great pride in the facilities. 

As with any district, a number of challenges were mentioned.  The most pronounced challenge is how to maintain all that is exceptional about the Reed Union School District during the State financial crisis.  There is concern regarding Basic Aid, the State budget, decreased revenue, increased enrollment, and changing demographics, as well as the impact of decreased funding on maintaining programs and personnel, class size, teacher morale, and facilities, including Granada School.  There is uncertainty about the hiring of a new superintendent and the recent election of three new Board members.  The desire for increased communication (internally and externally) was mentioned by a number of respondents.

The Reed Union School District community is looking for an experienced educational leader who will address these challenges in a competent, caring way.  The new superintendent must have the ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with highly-educated, professional, dedicated teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and Board members.  The superintendent is responsible for all aspects of a K-8 education and must be an instructional leader with a strong background in student learning, curriculum, and instruction.  It is important to be accessible, supportive, collaborative, inspiring, innovative, decisive, visible, and an effective communicator.  Skillfully balancing the needs of students, staff, parents, and community is paramount.  There is a strong expectation that this person will listen and work collaboratively and be supportive of non-adversarial collective bargaining.  There is a desire that the new superintendent will have a vision that includes valuing the District Strategic Plan and successful programs in the District, such as technology.  It is expected that the new superintendent will respect the unique culture of the Reed District and will be actively involved in the schools and community for many years.

The challenge that the Board and HYA have is to find that uniquely qualified individual who can build upon the District's proud heritage and successfully address the challenges that the Reed Union School District currently faces and those it will face in the future.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail G. Uilkema, Ed.D.

Bill Levinson, Ed.D.

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, Ltd.