The Mercer Island School Board stated on May 11 that its goal is to find a full-time superintendent by June 30, when current Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano plans to retire.

The Board has approved the superintendent job recruiting flyer and its search firm, Ray and Associates, has begun advertisement, distribution and recruiting.

The opportunity to apply for the position closes June 6, with a private review of all applicants by the Board starting June 13. A final slate of candidates is expected the week of June 26, when the Board will seek community input.

On May 10, the Board met with its search firm to discuss the community survey and final recommendations for the superintendent’s leadership characteristics. Outreach to thousands of parents, community leaders and organizations, teachers, staff, students, seven in-person meetings and various school and community newsletters provided survey responses and input that shaped the following leadership characteristics for inclusion in the job recruiting flyer:

• Possesses excellent people skills, presents a positive image of the district, will listen to input, and make a decision when necessary.

• Inspires trust, has high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance.

• Is a strong communicator; speaking, listening and writing.

• Has knowledge of and successful experience in sound fiscal practices and management of district resources, including appropriate participation of others in planning and decision-making.

• Has experience dealing with employee representative groups/unions.

• Is able to delegate authority appropriately while maintaining accountability.

• Is strongly committed to a “student first” philosophy in all decisions.

• Has experience in the selection and implementation of educational priorities consistent with the interests and needs of students, staff, Board and community.

• Has demonstrated strong leadership skills in previous positions.

The job description will be posted in a number of state and national publications including the AASA job bulletin and website, Education Week Newspaper and website, National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), and numerous, relevant, free job listing websites.

Diversity training videos and advice for academic search committees from the UCLA facility selection committee was shared with the Board to inform them of best practices for reaching unbiased candidate selection outcomes.

For more information and key dates, see www.mercerislandschools.org/SuperintendentSearch.