As part of the search process for a new superintendent to replace Constance Hubbard, educational search firm Hazard, Young Attea & Associates (HYA) conducted an open forum on Jan 21. During this meeting, teachers, faculty and other stakeholders gathered at the student center to discuss the ideal qualities of the unnamed superintendent.
While HYA, the nation’s largest educational executive search firm according to the Contra Costa Times, has been selected to run the search process, PUSD Board of Education will continue to oversee the procedure and will ratify the final decision of HYA on March 25 at a school board meeting.
The meeting itself had a low turnout, said Board of Education President Andrea Swenson, which she attributes to the fact the HYA had already interviewed 146 people during 40 meetings in four days. In addition, there were 482 responses to the online survey.
“We are very pleased with the search so far,” Swenson said.
The results of the meetings and interviews have been compiled to develop a candidate profile, which is being presented to the School Board at its meeting today. They will present the slate of candidates to the School Board in a closed session on Feb 24. The names of the candidates, however, will remain confidential to the public throughout the search process, Swenson said.
Senior Oli Bogle, who attended a separate student session in the library on the Jan. 23, favored the inclusion of students in the search process.
“I think it was crazy rad that they asked students because they actually gave us a chance to speak our minds rather than just assuming what we want,” Bogle said.
Bogle said that each student adds their own perspective.
“Had they only interviewed staff and parents, I’m sure the outcome would have been super different,” Bogle said. “As an out-of-district student I feel like I have a very different way of looking at PUSD, so getting to voice my thoughts felt amazing.”
The HYA staff interviewed students in groups of three. Bogle’s group, which also included senior Remy Afong and freshman Jonah Isaac, came to the conclusion that they wanted connection and open communication with the future superintendent.
Isaac said that they also determined that patience and widespread acceptance were two traits of foremost importance.
