The Liberty Bell Jr-Sr High School Principal Search and Selection Process continues to unfold as planned with interviews scheduled to take place on Monday, February 4, 2019.
As part of the process, all interested students, staff, parents, and community members are invited to meet and greet the Liberty Bell Jr-Sr HS Principal finalists at the Community Forum scheduled to take place on Monday, February 4th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Liberty Bell Library. During the forum, those in attendance will have an opportunity to hear each candidate describe their educational background and related experiences, listen to their responses to a few predetermined questions, and provide the interview committee with written feedback that will be used in support of the committee’s deliberations and final recommendation.
The MVSD administrative team and LBHS/ILC teacher leader team recently screened nearly a dozen applicants. Following the completion of the screening process, they have selected four finalists to be interviewed. They represent an exceptionally strong pool of candidates. In fact, shortly following the initial applicant screening process, one member of the interview team stated, “I’d be excited to work for any one of these candidates! I’m excited to meet each of them in person and learn more about their past experiences, leadership styles, what they know about us, and what they are prepared to contribute to our schools.”
As previously communicated by superintendent Venable, MVES Principal, Bob Winters and LBHS Principal, Deborah DeKalb are scheduled to retire at the end of the current school year. When asked how people are thinking and feeling about two principals retiring at the same time, superintendent Venable stated, “For many the news of their retirements created a deep sense of loss given their (Winters and DeKalb) strong relationships with students, staff, parents and community members. However, change represents opportunity. This is an opportunity to “hit the pause button,” reflect upon where we’ve been, where we are, where we’re headed, and more specifically, the leadership that is needed to propel us into the future.”
Using the “Candidate Profile” established by feedback gathered during the many recent input sessions, coupled with the feedback regarding the district’s perceived strengths and challenges, members of the interview team will facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive interview process that involves gathering information about each finalist. Each finalist will participate in a full day interview that includes: a formal team interview, student-led school tours, a parent forum, a community forum, and an individual interview with the superintendent.
Using multiple sources of information gathered throughout the process, the interview team will provide input to the administrative team and team of teacher leaders. The administrative team and teacher leaders will use the input gathered to support their final deliberations and recommendation to the superintendent.
Again, we hope you will consider participating in the process by attending the Community Forum scheduled to take place on Monday, February 4th at 4:00 p.m. in the Liberty Bell Library.