Interviews Begin For Next Director of Schools - INCLUDES AUDIO
Jackson TN – The interview process for the next Jackson Madison County School Superintendent began at Wednesday night's special called meeting.
Nine school board members questioned and evaluated the first 2 of 6 candidate semi-finalists for the job.
Many of the questions centered around the priorities the board has focused on as being the essential goals for this coming year. The priorities include; enhancing and expanding the Pre-K programs, improving 3rd grade reading and comprehension competency, middle school turnaround program. These goals represent three attributes of the Board's long range strategic plan.
Other questions concerned leadership style, best accomplishments and worst failures, communication with board, community, and parents, stakeholder involvement, skills and assets dealing with multicultural communities, embracing diversity, and addressing the needs of at-risk children.
Wednesday night's candidates were Verna Ruffin, Associate Superintendent, Tulsa, OK.
After the interview Ruffin spoke about her interview
AUDIO
CLICK TO LISTEN Sound Clip #1 - For there to be real system wide success there must be cultural competence which leads to communication and understanding. Ruffin explains
CLICK TO LISTEN Sound Clip #2 – Ruffin talked about the importance of making school relevant, getting the why it matters out in front so you have goals
Board members also interviewed Dr Tim Webb, Principal, Giles County, TN
Dr Webb talked about his ability and experience negotiating with legislators for budget dollars, his experience as Superintendent of Cheatham County Schools, and how that experience and his time as Commissioner of Education for Tennessee
CLICK TO LISTEN
Sound Clip #1 Ability to negotiate with legislators for budget dollars
Sound Clip #2 Webb described Cheatham County experience as a failure, he explains
Sound Clip #3 Webb talks about how the experience as Commissioner of Ed and Supt of Cheatham County affected his opinions
Board interviews continue with two new candidates on Thursday, 5:30 PM at the Jackson Madison County Central Office. Interviews will wrap up Friday night. The public is invited and welcomed to attend.