Superintendent Search Update

The search for Lakota’s next superintendent continues to move forward. The Board of Education contracted with national education recruiting firm Finding Leaders to lead the process.

Members of the Finding Leaders team reviewed the recent ThoughtExchange survey results about the quality and characteristics the community wishes the Board to consider when hiring a new superintendent. The firm also reviewed the community-wide survey from the spring of 2023, as well as the focus group feedback received during that same time. With all three feedback sources mirroring one another, Finding Leaders has moved forward to begin the search.

In addition to an experienced school administrator who will support the mission and vision of the district, the Board seeks to hire a person with the following characteristics: 

• A champion for public education;
• A proven visionary who is able to see strategic, innovative goals and how to achieve them;
• A proven instructional leader who has deep knowledge and understanding of curriculum, instruction and how students learn;
• An experienced administrative and teacher at building and central office levels;
• A focus on a culture of excellence;
• A collaborator who will work with all constituents including civic, business and community leaders;
• Whole child focused;
• Strong interpersonal and people skills;
• Motivational and inspiring;
• Working knowledge of fiscal responsibility; and
• Legislative advocacy experience at all levels.

It is the goal of the Board to have a new superintendent hired by mid-to-late May in order to have a few contracted work days overlap with Interim Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli before beginning officially on Aug. 1.

More information will be shared as Finding Leaders continues the work involved in its proven process.