All updates to the district’s search for a new superintendent of schools will be posted to this page.
Letter to Candidates:
December 1, 2023
The Duanesburg Board of Education is seeking an experienced school leader who will focus keenly on providing students of every ability the support, dedication, quality instruction and experiences they need as they strive to fulfill their dreams and aspirations for the future. The next superintendent must be able to continue to inspire students, teachers, staff, parents and community members in a connected, collaborative manner that moves the district forward on its mission and goals.
The Board is working with Capital Region BOCES search consultants to conduct a confidential superintendent search, a process that has incorporated community and district staff involvement.
The new superintendent is expected to begin duties on July 1, 2024. The Board seeks to implement a smooth and seamless transition for the administrative leadership of the district. We appreciate your interest in our schools.
Sincerely,
Duanesburg Central School District
Board of Education
Candidate Qualifications
The following characteristics will be vital to the success of the candidate who becomes the next superintendent of the Duanesburg Central School District.
- EXPERIENCED: Established leader with a willingness to make a long-term commitment to the school district and community, its growth and advancement; An experienced educator in search of a long career serving the Duanesburg Central School District.
- EXCELLENT COMMUNICATOR: The ability to seek input from others, listen intently, communicate well, connect with people individually and in groups, and foster the exchange of ideas in mutually beneficial and respectful ways.
- PRESENCE: A commitment to establishing a visible, approachable presence within the school and larger Duanesburg community.
- PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP: Possess and demonstrate honesty, transparency and good judgment, high moral standards and a respectful and caring demeanor, so that others will know that their efforts, ideas, work and perspectives are valued and essential to the healthy functioning of the district.
- INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP: A keen understanding of educational excellence, with the experience and foresight to understand how decisions affect students, teachers and learning, and the ability to communicate this to all members of the community.
- FISCAL AND OPERATIONAL ACUMEN: Knowledge and experience in school district budgeting and finance; business operations, management and internal controls; and overall district management.
About the position
The Board of Education will offer a three-year contract with a regionally competitive salary, commensurate with the preparation, qualifications, experience and record of the successful candidate, as well as an attractive benefits package.
The Board expects the new superintendent to be involved in school and community events and activities.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
- Application materials must be postmarked by January 3, 2024
- Anticipated appointment in Spring 2024
- Anticipated start date of July 1, 2024
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Candidates should mail the following by January 3, 2024:
- Completed application
- Cover letter, current resume and a list of five professional references
- All certificates, including New York State School District Administrator certificate
MATERIALS SHOULD BE MAILED TO:
Sharon Kisby
Capital Region BOCES
900 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 862-4901
sharon.kisby@neric.org
APPLICATION AVAILABLE HERE
Search Timeline:
October 17, 2023:
BOCES Search Consultants present at BOE meeting
October 18, 2023:
Online survey runs through November 17
October 24 & 25, 2023:
Forums (students, admins, staff, families, community)
November, 2023:
BOE meets with Search Consultants regarding focus group and survey feedback – Qualities of Superintendent to be included in invitation to apply are chosen
December 1, 2023:
Invitation to Apply prepared and distributed to the field
January 3, 2024:
Application deadline
January, 2024:
BOE meeting to review candidates and select those to be interviewed at BOCES
February, 2024:
- 1st and 2nd round interviews w/BOE at BOCES
- BOE meets to select candidate
March, 2024:
Announcement of new superintendent (time for contract negotiations)
July 1, 2024:
New superintendent starts
POSTED MONDAY, OCT. 23, 2023:
Here are some answers to questions you may have about the process the district will go through to find a new superintendent.
Is the Board of Education conducting the superintendent search on its own?
The Duanesburg Board of Education is working with Capital Region BOCES search consultants to conduct the confidential search.
What is a confidential superintendent search?
A confidential superintendent search means that all applicants for the position of superintendent of schools will apply directly to the BOCES consultants. BOCES and the board will work together to identify, from the entire applicant pool, who meets our criteria and who we would like to interview. The board will see ALL applications, but they will first be submitted to BOCES.
Why is a confidential search necessary?
This process is followed to attract sitting superintendents and other education professionals who may prefer that their candidacy for the Duanesburg position not be made public. Without confidentiality, there is often a very limited pool of candidates for the position of superintendent. Conducting a confidential search increases the likelihood that the most qualified candidates will apply for the position.
Are there opportunities for public input?
Yes! With the BOCES consultants, the district released a community survey through the district website and Parent Square beginning October 17. On the survey, community members are asked to give input on the following questions:
- What are the strengths of the Duanesburg Central School District?
- What needs to be improved?
- What characteristics and personal attributes should the new superintendent have?
- What will the new superintendent need to work on first?
- Do you have any additional thoughts or comments?
The survey will be available online through November 17. Community focus groups will also be held to collect feedback from attendees. All input given by the community will be taken into consideration by members of the board of education throughout their interviewing and vetting process.
What’s next?
Interested candidates will be invited to apply beginning in December. The application materials will be due to the BOCES consultants by January 3, 2024. After that date, the search consultants and board of education begin the interview process. Selected applicants will complete at least two rounds of interviews with the board.
Once a candidate is chosen, they will be vetted through a process led by the BOCES team before a formal offer is made. The board expects that the new superintendent will start in the summer of 2024.
POSTED TUESDAY, OCT. 17, 2023:
Duanesburg Board of Education seeks community input to inform upcoming search for next superintendent of schools
The Board of Education met with Anita Murphy and Lynne Wells, search consultants from Capital Region BOCES at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17 to outline a plan for finding the next superintendent of schools.
The first step is to gather community feedback via an online survey and a series of focus groups held this fall.
The brief, anonymous survey seeks input about what characteristics and skills are desired of the next superintendent. The survey is for all members of the greater school community, including students, parents, staff and residents. It will remain open until Friday, Nov. 17.
Take the superintendent search survey.
Focus groups will take place with various stakeholder groups. The schedule includes:
Tuesday, Oct. 24:
– high school students (in the HS media center, 7:45 a.m.)
– district administrators (district office, 9-10 a.m.)
– elementary school parents/guardians (HS auditorium, 6-7 p.m.)
– secondary school parents/guardians (HS auditorium, 7-8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 25:
– teachers/staff (virtual via Zoom, 3-4 p.m.)
– community (virtual via Zoom, 7-8 p.m.)
Feedback from the survey and focus groups will inform the invitation to apply, slated to go live in December.
The board of education’s goal is to have the next superintendent in place by next summer.
The district is seeking a new superintendent to replace Dr. James Niedermeier, who announced his resignation in June.