PPS Superintendent Search Feedback

Search for Superintendent of Schools January 2020

Plymouth Public Schools 11 Lincoln Street | Plymouth, MA 02360 phone (508) 830-4300 | fax 508-746-1873 www.plymouth.k12.ma.us

Plymouth Stakeholder Survey and Forums

SUMMARY The next Superintendent of Schools must be willing to focus on the needs of all stakeholders. It was important for us to gather feedback from staff, parents, and community members on the characteristics and goals they find most valuable in the next Superintendent of Schools.

Enhancing the academic achievement of students at all academic levels and providing them the opportunities to participate in activities that prepare them for post-graduate success has been and will continue to be one of the driving missions of the Plymouth Public Schools. One major goal for the incoming Superintendent is to continue to enhance and improve our already successful programs as well as establish a strong vision for the future.

Plymouth School Committee CHAIR Dr. James Sorensen VICE CHAIR Ms. Kim Savery Hunt SECRETARY Mr. Robert Morgan MEMBERS Ms. Michelle L. Badger Ms. Margie C. Burgess Ms. Vedna K. Lacombe-Heywood Ms. Lee C. Truschelli

The Plymouth School Committee will hire a Superintendent of Schools who has the ability to collaborate and communicate with all stakeholders and continue to prioritize our strong climate and culture. The ideal candidate will have the skills to form strong community relationships both in the school system and in the larger Plymouth community. In particular as the Superintendent of Schools, this individual will be the spokesperson for the schools at our representative Town Meeting. The individual must have a strong vision and possess outstanding leadership skills, in particular those that complement implementation and oversight due to the enormity of the Plymouth school system. In addition, his/her ability to solve complex problems in conjunction with a strong understanding of school finance and budgets is a priority.

SURVEY & FORUM BACKGROUND At all forums (staff and parent), Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Patricia Fry, explained the Superintendent search process and shared the proposed timeline for the search, with the expectation of a final decision by late May/early June. Mrs. Fry explained her role in this process as a facilitator and further explained that both the parent and multiple staff forums will help to frame and formulate the final job description to be posted mid-January. Finally, she explained there will be an on-line survey available that will be a vehicle for all parents that are unable to participate in any of the in-person forums. Mrs. Fry utilized a set of guiding questions for the audience. These notes will be used to help identify and confirm major themes that arose around what our parents, staff, and community believe Plymouth needs or should have with respect to the qualifications and characteristics of the next Superintendent of Schools.

The electronic survey was conducted via Google Forms and was available to parents and community members through email, social media, and the district website. The survey was available to the public from December 10, 2019 through December 18, 2019. There were 403 surveys completed online.

SEARCH TIMELINE January Job Posting Screening Committee members solicited and decided

January/February Finalize members of Screening Committee* (14 total) 3 School Committee Members 3 Parents 1 Student 1 Principal 1 Business Administrator 1 Coordinator 1 Director 1 Community Member 2 Teachers *Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Patricia Fry facilitates process as a non-voting member

November

March

June

Initial Interviews with Screening Committee

Superintendent of Schools selected by School Committee

February

April

Paperwork Screening facilitated by:

Finalists Determined and reference checking

Patricia C. Fry, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Gary Costin, Business Administrator School Committee Members

Start date for new Superintendent of Schools November 2, 2020

April/May Site visits to Plymouth and/or visits to their district Finalist Interviews with entire School Committee

2

SURVEY RESULTS Listed below are personal characteristics that different superintendent candidates could possess. From your perspective, how much weight should the School Committee place on each personality characteristic when assessing each candidate?

SURVEY RESULTS What do you feel are the immediate areas of focus that should be a priority for the new Superintendent?

(Respondents were asked to select up to THREE answers.)

Equitable school funding at the state level Equitable school funding (transportation, etc.)

Closing the achievement gap

Closing the achievement gap Building trust between the Building community trust and the district Focus on the social emotional Focus onneeds the se of our students Discipline and school safety

Discipline safety

Support for teachers Support and school leaders

ConnectionsConnections with students with students

School Schoolbudget budget

0

100

200

300

4

SURVEY RESULTS In choosing the next superintendent, which path or strategy below do you think the School Committee should take?

37.2%

37.2%

Find a candidate with the same basic educational and management philosophy as the current administration, but who can make some necessary changes Find a candidate who will stay the course and continue the good work of the current administration

52.9%

Find a very different kind of candidate — one who is ready to take the district in asignificantly different direction

52.9%

9.9%

9.9%

PARENT FORUMS Dates: November 4 & 7, 2019 Location: Mayflower Room, Central Office Forums facilitated by Assistant Superintendent, Patricia Fry and School Committee Members At both parent forums, the entire Superintendent Search process as well as the proposed timeline for the search, with the goal of a decision by late May/early June was explained. Mrs. Fry discussed her role in this process as facilitator and she further explained that the parent forums will help to frame and formulate the final job description to be posted in mid-January. Finally, she explained there will be an on-line survey available in early December that will be a vehicle for all parents that are unable to participate in any of the inperson forums.

At each meeting, Mrs. Fry utilized a set of guiding questions for the audience. The information gathered will be used to help identify and confirm major themes regarding what our parents and community believes Plymouth needs with respect to the qualifications and characteristics of the next Superintendent of Schools.

6

GUIDED QUESTIONS 1. What characteristics would you like to see in the new Superintendent of Schools?

2. What do you feel are the areas of focus that should be a priority for the new Superintendent?

3. Currently, what do you feel are the biggest strengths in the school department?

4. What do you think are the biggest areas where we need improvement?

5. What kind of experiences and qualifications are you looking for in a Superintendent? (i.e. doctorate, prior superintendent experience in the urban/suburban setting?)

6. What do you see as the necessary changes needed to continue to advance public education in Plymouth?Â

PARENT FORUM NOTES What characteristics would you like to see in the new Superintendent of Schools?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: An individual who is more of a leader than a manager.

A leader with passion, a progressive thinker and in-tune with evidence-based research and aware of current trends.

Someone to "think big" for our kids and how we are preparing our kids for success but also someone who prioritizes attention to detail.

Able to maintain balance between vision and overall implementation.

Ability to connect with the students at all levels and makes kids feel special.

Flexible, adaptable, and approachable.

A listener who takes time with students, parents, and staff.

Presents with empathy and has a calm demeanor.

Someone who understands our community and its complexities yet also prioritizes fiscal responsibility.

A leader who does not micro-manage and lets people do their jobs.

We are a strong and desirable district – we want to keep it that way.

Someone who wants Plymouth for the right reasons and wants to stay long term.

An individual who understands the diversity of our student population in regards to social-emotional needs in addition to academic process.

8

PARENT FORUM NOTES What should be the areas of focus or priorities for the new Superintendent?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Building and maintaining community support.

All schools and buildings should require equal attention and importance in regards to resources (understand the complexities of this in Plymouth).

Strong understanding of Special Education and also promote an inclusive philosophy.

Prioritize social-emotional learning and appropriate structures.

Middle school challenges—someone to embrace MS years with high sensitivity to their needs Real understanding and sympathies with students today; as well as with today’s parents.

More emphasis on Band and less emphasis on sports.

More funding for outside counseling (too much pressure on staff).

Continue to work to provide additional opportunities for students in particular vocational education and necessary funding to increase placements.

PARENT FORUM NOTES What do you feel are the biggest strengths in the school department?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Continue to support and enhance VPA understanding the impact.

Solar Project Initiative Vocational programs at both high schools Parent forums on important issues available year round Opening day - continue the energy!

International travel opportunities - continue and consider accessibility for all Communication is excellent (both from the top and from each school).

Our teachers (they feel respected and they are committed) and bring it into their classrooms.

Educating the families (parents) on very important topics (attendance however is typically low).

10

PARENT FORUM NOTES What do you think are the biggest areas where we need improvement?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Prioritize elementary school building needs (space, age, etc.)

Focus on continuity/consistency/equity across all schools/levels: Are we utilizing the sharing of best practices across the district?

Are we providing enough time for teachers between buildings/grades to collaborate?

Are we identifying emerging areas/fields (vocations/occupations)?

Are we teaching our students to be self-directed learners?

Standardized test scores: Prioritize academic achievement no matter perception regarding standardized testing.

Ability to understand, explain, and communicate the data and the scores.

The rest of the world seems to care; do we care enough?

AP exam philosophy / does it work for MCAS? Are our students not meeting the bar—need to identify the why—is it the teacher (instruction) or the test (instrument)?

Busing logistics and costs (urban/suburban uniqueness of Plymouth)

PARENT FORUM NOTES What kind of prior experiences and qualifications are you looking for in a Superintendent?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Someone with a local connection and commitment to Plymouth Public Schools (Discussion around potential candidates within district) What were we looking for when Dr. Maestas was hired?

Technology; authenticity; someone to put Plymouth on the map Someone who will stay for awhile (Discussion around turnover rate of superintendents in MA/current openings across MA/typical length of supt. contracts).

If not from Plymouth, someone from a similar town/city in regards to demographics.

A superintendent that has already effected change (track record).

Someone who has led change and with the ability to keep moving forward differently & better.

Someone who has been a classroom teacher.

At least 10 years experience as a teacher Someone who “walks the walk�

An individual who is a natural salesman with charisma and personality.

Resides in Plymouth or within a specific radius of Plymouth (accessibility).

A leader who truly understands and embraces the socio-economic diversity in Plymouth and the ability to maintain and forge new partnerships to address ongoing issues.

12

PARENT FORUM NOTES What do you see as the necessary changes needed to continue to advance public education in Plymouth?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Understands the impact of population growth in the Town of Plymouth, yet be able to address declining student age population.

Prioritizes and is committed to improving response to social-emotional concerns district-wide.

Staying ahead of demands that will impact students after graduation and make appropriate curriculum changes.

Increased emphasis on foreign languages instruction.

Focus on accuracy of communication (social media, etc.).

Address busing challenges based on square footage of Plymouth.

A leader who ensures that the community understands why our schools deserve and need their support.

FACULTY & STAFF FORUMS Dates: November November November November November

5th - PSHS (ALL STAFF) 12th - IBES (Elementary Staff) 14th - 11 Lincoln St. (Elementary Staff) 19th - PNHS (High School Staff) 21st - PSMS (Middle School Staff)

“The art of leadership is about inspiring people to build something, not threatening to break something.” Simon Sinek At each faculty and staff forum, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Patricia Fry explained the Superintendent Search process and shared the proposed timeline for the search, with the expectation of a final decision by late May/early June. Mrs. Fry explained her role in this process as a facilitator and further explained that the parent forums will help to frame and formulate the final job description to be posted in mid-January. Finally, she explained there will be an on-line survey available in early December that will be a vehicle for all parents that are unable to participate in any of the in-person forums.

At each meeting, Mrs. Fry utilized a set of guiding questions for staff. These notes will be used to help identify and confirm major themes that arose around what our staff thinks Plymouth needs or should have with respect to the qualifications and characteristics of the next Superintendent of Schools.

14

FACULTY & STAFF FORUMS What characteristics would you like to see in the new Superintendent of Schools?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: A leader who is approachable, authentic, and personable.

Continues to embrace social media, but retain the high standards while bringing it to the next level.

A visionary to move us forward as a district with communicates and follow through.

Consistent leadership with longevity Love and appreciation for Plymouth and someone who ‘likes” kids.

Understands and has the ability to navigate the political landscape.

Someone “without” an agenda A listener who is humble (has heart and soul).

Sense of humor Someone who is persuasive and charismatic.

A leader who trusts their staff to do their job; let people lead.

Does not forget where they came from; someone who knows and appreciates the value of all stakeholders.

Someone who is progressive and not afraid to take risks; someone who is truly in touch with data-driven research.

Experience as a classroom teacher Understands Special Education and supports all kids.

Someone who understands the size and uniqueness of Plymouth.

A Superintendent who is present – Gary is always there!

A proactive not reactive leader Experience working in a community with socio-economic diversity.

A creative leader Authentic leader who is able to explain tough decisions and doesn't hide from tough issues.

FACULTY & STAFF FORUMS What should be the areas of focus or priorities for the new Superintendent?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Population trends in Plymouth; student population decreasing but needs and services increasing.

SEL across the district—evolution and support of same: SEL awareness More supports and training for staff More standardized supports and process across district New health curriculum is a great start; but we still need more Every teacher and every principal – must be prioritized from the top Maintain where we are—don’t go backwards and focus on going forward as budget allows.

Redistricting as appropriate.

Consistency of class size across district, especially at the elementary level and between elementary schools.

Report cards at the elementary level (needs to be re-vamped as parents and students do not understand them).

Conflict between elementary and middle school report cards.

Middle School schedules/scheduling (core teachers/subjects) Recognize not everything across the district can be identical but ensure there is consistency.

Strong organization skills for short term with the ability to have vision for long term planning Vocational education (Chap 74) valued as a priority Special Education—deep knowledge of Plymouth’s status (i.e. % on IEPs etc) Someone who can identify deeper learning and can differentiate between levels, grades, schools etc.

Professional development across the district - needs attention Professional development for foreign-language teachers (no coordinator) . Need more emphasis on importance of learning other languages.

Someone who truly understands how education is rapidly changing and can lead the changes that need to be made with curriculum and instruction.

16

FACULTY & STAFF FORUMS What do you feel are the biggest strengths in the school department?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Connections with global economy; being green and progressive (solar projects) Relationship with town (Town Manager, Selectboard & Police/Fire) Staff Transparency, Communication and Social Media outreach Trust of staff, freedom of curriculum Plymouth “walks their talk” Specialty roles (i.e., coordinators and assistant superintendents) Opportunities for kids keep growing/expanding Foresight on financial decisions along the way; especially with staff and budget management Continue to focus and educate on substance abuse issues.

We are a student-centered district.

Academics and technology—we are an innovative district; but technology should be improved at elementary level.

Celebrating our wins (online presence); selling the positive is important We are a big district but close and collaborative (open communication is encouraged/people talk).

Opportunities beyond the classroom The initial investment in supporting kids in all areas of their lives (holistic approach to support whole child) Teachers work well together – they always put kids first VPA program; but perhaps find a better balance with high school band.

FACULTY & STAFF FORUMS What do you think are the biggest areas where we need improvement?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Are we developing a sense of well-roundedness in our kids; need more of a focus on the “whole child”?

HS—ways to foster student motivation Do we have enough of a balance between testing and deeper learning?

Do we/will we know what student achievement looks like in the future?

With growing SEL issues; we need more supports Are we forward thinking enough, especially with regard to future student employability skillsets?

Soft skills development in kids should be a priority Cultural diversity awareness and sensitivity training Are we successful in helping students to think outside of the box (we need to improve students taking responsibility for learning while making sure we are meeting all their needs)?

Substitute staffing Mod-Pods and needed repairs at elementary schools (district-wide elementary facilities discussions are important).

ELL - growing population Central Office transparency—communication can always be improved.

Coordination between content and mapping (lack of common format) – this is also a NEASC issue.

Stronger/better emphasis on chain of command with complaints (parents).

Middle school supports in mathematics—core subjects deserve equal playing field.

18

FACULTY & STAFF FORUMS What kind of prior experiences and qualifications are you looking for in a Superintendent?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Vocational education experience Someone with experience in a district of a similar size A leader who demonstrates they love what they do; someone who is passionate about Plymouth and not using this as just another stepping stone in their career.

Understands Plymouth (tourism, politics and “hometown-ism”) as Plymouth has changed dramatically over the years.

A legacy of a strong work ethic; someone who has in the past and is willing in the future to roll up their sleeves and be part of the change.

Understands the district and district leadership and other pending retirements and someone who can articulate their philosophy on who they might hire and why for these roles.

Experiences that they are emotionally connected to (Opening Day).

Foster a team approach with the leadership team at Central Office; not someone with a simple top-down approach.

Someone who is able to say “no".

A creative leader who has a doctorate; who demonstrates resolve and grit.

FACULTYÂ & STAFF FORUMS What do you see as the necessary changes needed to continue to advance public education in Plymouth?

Common responses and themes around this prompt include: Someone who has the ability to work with the community but champions for staff simultaneously.

Money problems are predicted for Plymouth—we need someone who understands the dynamic and is able to cope and continue advocating.

Continue to ensure class size is a huge priority, especially at the elementary level.

Hire someone that quickly can adapt to dynamics of Plymouth and develop a strong relationship with the Town and can quickly come up to speed on the budget and can strongly advocate for the kids (Plymouth is non-traditional community in many regards).

20

Plymouth Public Schools 11 Lincoln Street | Plymouth, MA 02360 phone (508) 830-4300 | fax 508-746-1873 www.plymouth.k12.ma.us

The Plymouth Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, homelessness, genetic information, ancestry, status as a veteran or U.S. uniformed military service member, disability, or age in admission to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities.