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Grand Island BOE to review applications for new superintendent

Sat, Mar 5th 2016 07:05 am

Superintendent interviews begin March 12

By Larry Austin

Island Dispatch Editor

The Grand Island Board of Education will review applications for its superintendent of schools position and conduct preliminary interviews for a new superintendent March 12.

In a press release issued Feb. 29, the district said the search for Grand Island's future school superintendent to replace Dr. Teresa Lawrence "is well underway. Applications for the superintendent position have been received by Dr. Lynn Marie Fusco, Grand Island's search consultant and district superintendent of Erie 1 BOCES. The board is moving on to the next steps in the process."

The board declined to renew the contract for Lawrence and initiated a search process to find her successor. Lawrence is under contract until the end of June.

The board reviewed the applications March 1 and, after the preliminary interviews, will conduct final full-day interviews of candidates April 11, 12 and 14.

The district said Fusco "will be reaching out to leaders in our educational community to assemble interview teams that represent members of our community, faculty and staff for the full-day interviews. It is not too late to express your interest to participate in the process."

Those interested in participating on the community team can contact Board of Education President Lisa Pyc at [email protected].

Survey results 

A community survey has also been tallied and 249 responses were received. According to the district, parents with students in the district accounted for approximately 48 percent of the responses, followed by 33 percent district employees, 9 percent community members without school aged children, 4 percent parents with students enrolled in other schools and 2 percent current student responses.

"Through the survey, we have learned that being active in the community, willing to commit to the district, and being visible and accessible are among the qualities that are most valued and sought in the next district leader," the district's press release said. "The district thanks all who completed the online survey; the input will prove valuable to the board as the process continues."

Islander finalist for Starpoint superintendent post

The Starpoint Central School District Board of Education has selected three final candidates for its superintendent of schools position, including one from Grand Island.

The three finalists are: Dr. John McKenna, principal in the Tonawanda City School District and a resident of Grand Island; Dr. Marie Balen, assistant superintendent at Williamsville Central School District; and Dr. Sean Croft, assistant superintendent at the Starpoint Central School District.

Each finalist met all day with various stakeholder groups (teachers, external stakeholders, students, support staff, and administrators) who interviewed candidates and provided the Board of Education with their feedback.

Starpoint Board of Education President Michael Zimmerman stated, "The board is very pleased with the number and qualifications of all the applicants. The three finalists have the desired professional qualifications and attributes that the board is seeking for this critical leadership position. The board looks forward to receiving feedback from the stakeholders and public as part of our search process."

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