NUSD's Superintendent Search by Fran Rozoff

As part of the process for choosing a new person for NUSD’s top spot, the Board should ask Novato’s teachers what characteristics they value in a leader. Here are some important qualities from my perspective:

Vision: A superintendent should have a clear vision of what matters most in education and passionately own that vision and relentlessly pursue it.

A superintendent must be able to share that vision and inspire others to buy into it. He or she must be able to communicate clearly that a comprehensive education, which includes science, technology, literature and the arts is important for Novato’s school children.

Integrity: a person of integrity is the same on the outside and on the inside. A District superintendent must be honest, fair and transparent to earn the trust of district employees. A District leader who is centered in integrity knows that it may be necessary to be a follower occasionally.

Dedication: a superintendent inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step to achieve his/her goal. The next NUSD chief must possess the unwavering commitment to continue to provide an educational experience that goes beyond just teaching the basic skills, and to put the current political educational relativism in perspective to do what is best for kids.

Openness: being able to listen to new ideas, even if they don’t conform to the usual way of thinking. Our new Superintendent needs to be able to listen to teachers for ways to improve curriculum and instruction, the conditions in which teachers work, and children learn. Openness builds mutual respect, trust and collaboration between administration and employees, as well as energizing the District with new ideas that can further the vision of an excellent educational system---one that eliminates barriers to students success.

Creativity: the ability to think outside of the box that constrains solutions. The most important question that a superintendent can ask is, “What if …?” What if the schools in this District were involved in healthy competitions like science fairs, essay contests, spelling bees, debates, and athletic events rather than the unrelenting focus on data related to test scores? What if teachers had more time to help students write thoughtful essays, paint a picture, read critically, complete scientific experiments or study about the world through an historical perspective?

Fairness: the ability to inspire respect by dealing with others consistently and justly. When employees are being treated fairly, they are more willing to work cooperatively together to provide the best education they can for students.

Assertiveness: the ability to clearly state what one expects so that there will be no misunderstandings. The active participation of students, families, public officials, local organizations and the larger Novato community is necessary to educate children effectively. An assertive Superintendent can rally the community and motivate Novato’s citizens to volunteer and vote for parcel taxes and bond measures, or donate to non-profits like School Fuel.

A sense of humor: effective leaders know how to use humor to energize followers and foster good relationships. Building good relationships is essential to any system. Our new Superintendent should understand that the employees of this district are its greatest asset.

To move forward in selecting a new District leader, you need to look back. Look back on the last 8 years. Despite the constant churn of educational reforms, budget cuts, increasing federal and state mandates and a chronically inadequate funding formula, NUSD has continued to thrive by providing a strong curriculum, experienced teachers, effective instruction, adequate resources, and a community that values education. Look back to a superintendent who created that vision of educational excellence, a leader with uncompromising integrity, dedication, openness and creativity. A person who, with humor and kindness, treats students, parents and colleagues fairly and has a single-minded desire to do what is best for kids. Look back to our top administrator whose unwavering support of NUSD’s human resources has made all the difference. Move forward by looking back at the exemplary model of stewardship Superintendent Jan Derby has provided as a blueprint for future District leaders.