The School Board of District 518 is conducting a search for its next superintendent, and input is now being requested. The Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) has been contracted to assist with the search and will summarize survey comments for presentation to the School Board.

District residents that would like to participate and need help with filling out the survey in either Spanish or Karen can stop into District 518 Community Education to have a Family & Community Liaison assist you. They are available Monday – Friday from 8am to 4:30pm located at 827 N. Crailsheim Road.


IMPORTANT: All responses to this survey will remain anonymous. Also, you are not required to answer every question in order to have your responses included.

Information from this survey will provide valuable input for the Board to consider as they move forward in selecting the next superintendent. Please submit this survey by November 12, 2024, and thank you for your participation.

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* 1. Please select the title or role that best reflects the underlying basis or foundation for your responses. Use only one response.

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* 2. Read the list provided below. From this list, choose the top six areas of expertise you believe the next superintendent must possess (responses are not weighted so you may choose six in any order). Leave the remaining choices blank.

  Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3 Choice 4 Choice 5 Choice 6
Budget and Finance
Business Partnerships
Collaborative Leadership
Contract Administration and Negotiations
Curriculum Development/Evaluation
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Fluctuating Enrollment
Fundraising/Grant Writing
Personnel Management
Public Relations
School Facility Oversight
Social/Emotional Support Services
Special Education
Strategic Planning
Student Testing Results and Achievement
Technology

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* 3. Read the list provided below. From this list, choose the top six most important traits or skills the next superintendent must possess (again responses are not weighted). Leave the remaining choices blank.

  Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3 Choice 4 Choice 5 Choice 6
A visionary, creative thinker
Acts with honesty and in an ethical manner with the School Board, staff, and community
Delegates authority while maintaining accountability
Develops and directs an effective leadership team
Develops trust and works collaboratively with diverse groups and communities
Effectively mediates and accommodates different perspectives; values teamwork
Experience in fundraising and/or grant writing
Experience in implementing educational priorities and/or a strategic plan
Experience in managing transition
Experience in school district management practices
Experience in school finance
Familiar with state and federal education laws
Follows the School Board's chosen educational philosophy which reflects the community's values
Keeps up on changes in legislation and helps the School District engage the legislative process
Knowledge of and experience with equity leadership challenges and opportunities
Knowledge of and experience with negotiations and the collective bargaining process
Knowledge of and experience with special education needs
Knowledge of technology and web-based education curricula
Maintains a good working relationship with the media
Possesses a strong academic background with experience in curriculum
Promotes business and community involvement in schools
Provides written, understandable administrative procedures that implement School Board policy
Strong communicator with proven abilities in human relations and communications
Understands the effects of poverty on student learning and achievement
Uses curriculum and other resources to improve test scores
Visible and accessible to the School Board, staff, students, parents, and community
Works cooperatively with the School Board; provides options and recommendations

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* 4. Is it important that the next superintendent have previous experience as a superintendent?

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* 5. Read the list provided below. From this list, choose the top six personal characteristics you believe the next superintendent must have (again not weighted). Leave the remaining choices blank.

  Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3 Choice 4 Choice 5 Choice 6
Confident
Consistent
Creative
Effective Communicator
Empathetic
Enthusiastic
Flexible
Honest and Ethical
Inclusive
Influential
Intellectual
Personable
Problem Solver
Resourceful
Sense of Humor
Tenacious
Transparent
Please read and respond to the following questions:

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* 6. What are some of the good things taking place in District 518 today?

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* 7. What challenges do you see ahead for the District over the next five years?

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* 8. What does the new superintendent need to know about the history of the school district and community in order to be successful?

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* 9. Additional comments:

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