Early in February of this year, Clarke Community Schools found itself looking for new leadership at the elementary building. With Mrs. Kerchal’s notice that she’d be leaving at the end of the ‘23- ‘24 school year, Clarke district administration and elementary staff quickly convened to discuss the best course of action to finding a new Principal for the elementary building. That included gaining insight from those closest to the position, the Clarke elementary school community.
“We wanted to make sure the next leadership candidate at the elementary was ideally suited for our district, our staff, our vision for the future, as well as a true leader for Clarke students at an integral time in their educational development,” said Kurt DeVore, Clarke Schools’ Superintendent.
Over a week of discussions amongst administrators and teachers, teams began documenting the skill set and qualities they’d like to have in their new Elementary School Principal. From experience in the elementary administrative positions to leadership qualities and strengths amongst students, the district quickly came up with a job description and postings went out shortly after the second week of February. Since that time, applicants have already started making their interest known and the next phase of evaluation is quickly approaching, but the administration and staff are looking to their elementary school community – including teachers, parents, and even students – for valuable feedback.
At the end of last week, Clarke Elementary parents were sent an online survey where they could offer their insight for the elementary school building Principal position. A short questionnaire to take less than five minutes, asked the elementary community what qualities they saw as “Most important” for the new Principal. The feedback from this survey, as well as a questionnaire similarly given to teachers and staff, will help create a focused character profile and professional evaluation questions for the candidates as well as emphasize the vision for the school and Clarke’s “One Tribe” culture.
With a due date of February 28th, once the surveys have been completed, interviews with qualified candidates are set to begin on March 1st. There will be a multi-phased approach to the process including teachers, staff, and even elementary school parents helping with the process. Student ambassadors will also provide tours of the facility and additional engagement for the candidates as they move through the interview process.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Clarke Elementary School community to participate in the selection of their next educational leader for the building,” said DeVore.