As the Charleston County School District begins its search for a new superintendent, it is asking for your input on what type of person would be best for the job.
A new survey posted on the district’s website asks Charleston County residents to rank a list of qualifications for the new superintendent from 1 to 10. Qualifications listed include things like “Substantial experience in district-level budget development and management” and “Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups.” There is also an open-ended section on the survey for comments, questions, and concerns.
The survey was announced today, about four months after longtime Superintendent Nancy McGinley resigned on Oct. 30. The resignation came on the heels of a controversy over allegations of racial insensitivity on the part of the Academic Magnet High School football team. An attorney representing McGinley later told the City Paper that she stepped down because district officials “told her she could resign or be fired.” After some community leaders led a brief push to get McGinley reinstated, the district announced on Dec. 19 that it would conduct a nationwide search to replace McGinley.
McGinley was a polarizing figure at times, but she lasted longer in office than any other superintendent in the district’s history. She took office in 2007 and outlasted all nine school board members from that time. Supporters praised McGinley for her focus on closing racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps in the district, but critics said she led a district office that was disconnected from school principals and teachers. (To read more about McGinley’s record in office, click here.)
The deadline for completing the survey is March 31. To take the survey, click here.
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