The Onteora School District Board of Education is currently interviewing candidates to serve as the district’s interim superintendent of schools. The selected individual will replace Superintendent Victoria McLaren, who has accepted a position in a neighboring district.
As part of its search process for a candidate to fill this temporary appointment, the Board of Education sought feedback from employee units, the heads of Parent Teacher Organizations (PTAs), Student Government representatives and members of the Athletic Booster Club. Input from these groups was taken into account as the board drafted questions that have been asked during the interview process.
The board hopes to announce its final decision regarding the selection of an interim superintendent at its April 6 meeting. The individual appointed to the temporary position is anticipated to begin no later than April 23 and serve through the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
This timeline would allow the board ample time to conduct a careful, collaborative search for a permanent superintendent.
“Hiring a superintendent of schools is one of the most important duties performed by a board of education,” explains Board of Education President Laurie Osmond. “The board is committed to conducting a thoughtful and thorough search process that includes engaging the staff, students and the community.”
The board has begun soliciting proposals from executive search firms and exploring other options, such as utilization of services provided by Ulster BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Charles Khoury. After this decision is made, the board plans to engage stakeholders through focus group discussions, community surveys and ultimately, interaction with finalist candidates. “It is important that our various constituent groups are included in this process and have the opportunity to have significant input into the selection of our next superintendent,” says Osmond.
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