Gahanna-Jefferson superintendent finalists tied to Dublin, Upper Arlington, Worthington
The top three finalists for the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools superintendent’s job have central Ohio connections.
They are Angela Adrian, assistant superintendent of academics of Worthington Schools; Tracey Deagle, assistant professor of Mercer University and former deputy superintendent of Dublin City Schools; and Andy Hatton, associate superintendent of learning and leadership for Upper Arlington Schools.
Finding Leaders, a Sagamore Hills based executive search firm hired by the G-J school board, will facilitate a stakeholder interview process with the finalists May 4, according to a May 2 G-J news release.
Finalists will meet with administrative leaders, instructional and noninstructional staff, students and parents of the community to discuss qualifications and answer questions, the release said.
The board via Finding Leaders interviewed 17 applicants from Ohio and beyond.
“We are grateful to our community who were able to provide input about the qualities needed in our next superintendent,” said Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, board president.
A leader profile survey taken by more than 400 community members showed a desire for the next superintendent to have outstanding communication and listening skills, curricular experience, success with new school construction and a leader with superintendent-level experience in a district similar in size and demographics to G-J. Feedback also shows the community's desire for a candidate who is honest, sincere, humble and open minded to move the district forward in academic achievement while also unifying all aspects of the school community.
“The board is pleased with the work Finding Leaders has done to quickly recruit an Impressive group of candidates who have these qualities for the board to consider for our district’s next leader," Piccolantonio said.
Consultants dedicated to the G-J superintendent search included three former superintendents: Patti Cleary of Barberton, Dale McVey of Hilliard and Ed Vittardi of North Royalton.
“We are extremely impressed with the incredible quality of the candidates that applied and were recruited,” Vittardi said. “We look forward to these strong finalists engaging with the school community in the stakeholder interviews and the final board interviews.”
Judy Hengstebeck, G-J communications coordinator, said a date has not yet been set for the board to hire the new superintendent, but the board will complete final interviews this week. She said action is expected sometime in May.
Superintendent Steve Barrett previously announced that he would retire effective Aug. 1.
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Gahanna-Jefferson superintendent finalists tied to Dublin, Upper Arlington, Worthington
