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29 apply to lead Warren schools
By Ed Runyan
WARREN
The Warren Board of Education received a list of 29 candidates who have applied to be the school district’s next superintendent.
Aaron Schwab, communications coordinator for the district, said board members will review the applications over the weekend and most likely narrow the list to six candidates by Monday.
Kendall Lee of the Ohio School Boards Association provided information about the 29 candidates to the school board Thursday along with summaries of the comments he received from parents, staff and the public.
The school board met in executive session to talk about the candidates and selection process but did not take any formal action.
School-board member Robert Faulkner said the board has not decided yet whether sessions with each of the finalists will be scheduled to allow the public to meet the candidates and ask them questions.
Lee scheduled those types of sessions in Youngstown before the Youngstown school board decided on Connie Hath-orn to be Youngstown’s new superintendent.
A time line established by the board indicates that the board hopes to begin interviewing candidates Tuesday and take action to select one by May 30. The successful candidate is expected to begin work in early June.
At public sessions in Warren last week, many citizens expressed their desire to have a superintendent who listens to and communicates with the parents and understands the challenges the community faces.
The school board criticized the last superintendent, Kathryn Hellweg, for not creating a “more open climate, both internally and externally.”
The pamphlet published to advertise the Warren superintendent’s position said the Warren Board of Education wanted these characteristics in its next leader:
A strong administrator with “demonstrated success in improving academic achievement.”
A positive person with a collaborative and participatory management style who will be active in the community.
A straightforward communicator who responds to issues and concerns by developing initiatives that will close achievement gaps for all students.
A team leader with excellent speaking and listening skills and an openness to ideas expressed by staff, parents, students and community.