Here’s how to weigh in on the selection of Wichita Public Schools’ next superintendent

Wichita Public Schools is encouraging community members to fill out a survey detailing what they most want to see in the district’s next superintendent.

Outgoing Superintendent Alicia Thompson, who has held the job since 2017, plans to retire at the end of the school year and the Wichita school board hopes to name her replacement by spring break 2023.

WPS, the largest school district in the state, is paying Cedar Rapids-based Ray & Associates $34,000 plus travel expenses to lead the search process. Ray & Associates plans to use the results of the survey and other community engagement efforts to shape a candidate profile ahead of interviews in February.

The survey will be open until 5 p.m. on Jan. 20 and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZZWWG5P. It is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.

The survey lists 31 characteristics and asks community members to choose the 10 attributes they think are the most important. It also gives respondents a chance to say what they think prospective candidates should know about the district and community.

The 31 characteristics listed in the survey are as follows:

1. Is willing to listen to input, and is a decision maker.

2. Possesses the leadership skills, knowledge and sensitivity required to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by a diverse student body and community.

3. Is able to work with legislators on key topics and can lead an organization throughout the legislative process.

4. Possesses an earned Ed.D. or Ph.D. degree.

5. Has a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality.

6. Is a strong communicator in speaking, listening and writing.

7. Demonstrates commitment to community visibility and is actively engaged in a broad range of community groups and organizations.

8. Has experience recruiting and maintaining exceptional staff for the district and schools.

9. Is able to build consensus and commitment among individuals and groups.

10. Has experience working with employee representative groups/unions.

11. Is able to delegate and oversee the work of staff (i.e. leading by example) and appropriately maintain accountability.

12. Has experience with effective management and planning practices that will benefit the long-term financial health of the district.

13. Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and can present a positive image of the district.

14. Is a nontraditional or “hybrid candidate” with business/private sector background in addition to an educational career.

15. Is strongly committed to a “student-centered” philosophy in all decisions.

16. Is capable of developing both short- and long-range district goals.

17. Can develop and communicate a vision of quality education for the future to the board, staff and community.

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

19. Is committed to the importance of both the academic and extracurricular programs.

20. Promotes positive and inclusive student behavior conducive to a healthy and safe learning environment.

21. Provides leadership in the planning, implementation and assessment of relevant professional development for all staff members.

22. Is comfortable leading innovation and reform efforts.

23. Is able to lead district diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

24. Has the ability to develop and maintain a reciprocal relationship between the business community and the school district.

25. Possesses the ability to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing the gaps in student achievement and opportunity.

26. Makes recommendations and data-driven decisions.

27. Has knowledge of emerging research and best practice in the area of curriculum/instructional design and practice.

28. Promotes a positive and professional environment that includes mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, administrators and board.

29. Commitment to and experience working with all genders, races and socio-economic groups.

30. Demonstrates a deep understanding of special education that meets the individualized needs of each student.

31. Has classroom experience in a K-12 setting.