A recent national search conducted by the Broward County School Board in Florida to find a new superintendent has faced challenges, with board members expressing dissatisfaction with the current candidate pool. The board sought a “transformational leader” to fill the position after firing the previous superintendent, Dr. Vickie Cartwright. However, the consulting firm assisting in the search, McPherson and Jacobson, compiled a list of 26 candidates that failed to meet the job qualifications, causing frustration among the board members.

Concerns Raised Over Candidate Qualifications

During a workshop meeting, board members voiced their concerns about the lack of qualified candidates in the pool. Some candidates were identified as teachers with no experience at a certified office level, directors from small districts, or individuals with no prior work in education. Board member Torey Alston expressed disappointment and questioned why candidates who didn’t meet the job qualifications were included on the list, asserting that it was a waste of time for the board.

The Impact of Florida’s Political Climate

One reason cited for the limited pool of qualified candidates was the political climate surrounding education in Florida. Dr. Ralph Ferrie from McPherson and Jacobson acknowledged this factor, stating that the political environment had a discouraging effect on potential applicants. Board member Dr. Allen Zeman supported this claim, referring to evidence of the political impact on university applicants and faculty retention in the state. However, board member Torey Alston disagreed, suggesting that some candidates expressed their love for Florida and were not deterred by the political climate.

Decision-Making Process and Interim Superintendent

The board is set to make a decision at an upcoming meeting regarding whether to proceed with a few candidates from the current list or cast a wider net to attract more applicants. It was clarified that the interim superintendent, Dr. Earline Smiley, is not a candidate for the permanent position, raising questions about the future leadership of the district.

The board members expressed their commitment to finding a qualified candidate who could effectively address the district’s challenges and elevate the quality of education for students. They emphasized the importance of selecting a strong leader capable of navigating the political climate and implementing meaningful changes within the Broward County School District.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Dr. Vickie Cartwright?

  Dr. Vickie Cartwright is the former superintendent who was fired by the Broward County School Board. For detailed information about her background and tenure, it is recommended to refer to relevant news articles or official sources.

• What consulting firm assisted in the superintendent search?

  The consulting firm McPherson and Jacobson assisted the Broward County School Board in conducting the national search for a new superintendent. More information about their role and expertise can be found on their official website or through reliable news sources.

• Who is Dr. Valerie Wanza?

  Dr. Valerie Wanza is mentioned as a potential internal candidate for the superintendent position. To learn more about her qualifications and background, it is advised to consult official board statements, news articles, or other reputable sources for accurate information.

• Why is the political climate in Florida affecting the candidate pool?

  According to Dr. Ralph Ferrie from McPherson and Jacobson, the political climate in Florida has had a discouraging effect on potential candidates for the superintendent position. However, specific details and evidence supporting this claim can be found through further research in news articles, educational publications, or studies on the impact of political factors on education in Florida.

• Why is Dr. Earline Smiley not a candidate for the permanent superintendent job?

  The given information states that Dr. Earline Smiley, the interim superintendent, is not a candidate for the permanent job. Further details regarding the reasons for her non-candidacy may be available through official board announcements, news reports, or statements from Dr. Smiley herself.