After public criticism over poor outreach and paltry attendance at public forums last week, the school board has created more opportunities to hear public feedback about the search for a new superintendent.
The announcement came as the school board looks for a replacement for Reginald Mayo, who plans to retire July 1 after two decades in city schools. The school district hired an Illinois-based firm, PROACT Search, to oversee the search. School board members have said they aim to find a replacement by July 1. A public hearing Wednesday drew just six parents and a few other onlookers, drawing criticism that the school board failed to do enough outreach to involve the public in a “rushed” search process.
After criticism voiced at that meeting, as well as in the Independent’s comments section, school officials Friday announced three more public hearings:
9 – 11 a.m., Saturday, April 27
Hillhouse High School, 480 Sherman Parkway
10 a.m. – Noon, Thursday, May 2
Courtland Wilson Library, 303 Washington Avenue
7 – 9 p.m. Thursday, May 2 (after the Citywide Parent Leadership Team meeting)
Wilbur Cross High School, 181 Mitchell Drive
Childcare and Spanish translation provided
9:30 – 11 a.m., Saturday, May 4
Martinez School, 100 James Street
Childcare and Spanish translation provided
The school system also vowed to do a better job at getting the word out to the public. Click here for full details on outreach efforts, and click here to take a survey about what you’d like to see in a new superintendent.
The only feedback I want to give the School Board is WAIT until the new mayor is elected and can participate in the process.
But I am afraid they are not listening.