Principal Selection Continues
The process of selecting the next Berkeley High School principal continued on Tuesday, April 27, when members of the Berkeley community gathered in the Berkeley Unified School District administration building to discuss the search.
The central purpose of the meeting was to allow BHS parents and other Berkeley residents to volunteer ideas for the qualifications that should be looked for in the new principal, furthering the district’s attempts to reach out to all parties affected by the change in administration and create an opportunity to become involved and contribute to the search.
Lisa van Thillo, assistant superintendent of BUSD’s Human Resources Department, remains determined to find the perfect candidate to replace Slemp before he retires this summer, even if there are challenges along the way. “We’re not just going to put anyone in there,” said van Thillo.
Over the past few weeks, van Thillo has been working along with Neil Smith, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, and other members of their departments to solicit qualified candidates, gather interview questions, and reach out to the BHS community in order to make sure their opinions are heard. Van Thillo is especially interested in talking personally with BHS students and allowing them to be a part of the selection process because of their insight into what the BHS community needs most and who would be best for the job. “[Kids] are very good judges of character,” explained van Thillo.
BHS parents and other Berkeley community members who attended the meeting emphasized a need for a candidate who has a strong and energetic presence and a vision for the school, as well as the initiative to create school unity while reaching out to all ethnic groups. The parents also wanted someone who would seek to continue Slemp’s efforts towards closing the achievement gap at BHS.
“As the superintendent, I’m looking for leadership qualities,” commented Superintendent William Huyett. “Excellent leaders are able to form relationships with teachers, parents, and students. I can’t overestimate the importance of good relationships.”
After advertising for the position, the number of candidates to be interviewed was cut from the initial applicant pool of between forty and fifty to about eight, van Thillo estimated. “One of the first things we do is we screen to make sure we have the best candidates,” van Thillo explained. “We want the best person for the school.”
The interviews will take place Friday, May 7, followed by callbacks for those candidates deemed most qualified. After this process, Huyett will choose one candidate to recommend to the school board, which will then make the final decision.
“They have to like kids and they have to be there for the kids,” san van Thillo. “It’s an easy thing to say, but not everyone is a match.”
Comments
Post new comment