South Orange-Maplewood Superintendent Search Turns to Community

Parents, students, district staff, community members and other stakeholders are invited to give their input concerning the qualifications for the next South Orange-Maplewood Schools Superintendent.

The firm, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, will conduct two open forums to solicit feedback and input from stakeholders.

Open forums will be held in the Columbia High School Library, 17 Parker Ave., Maplewood, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 7 to 8 p.m. The date of a second forum has yet to be determined. Both meetings will be open to the community.

In addition to the Open Forums, a series of Special Group Forums will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the District Office Meeting Room, 525 Academy St., in Maplewood.

The following sessions have been scheduled for these groups:

Faith Leaders: 9-9:45 a.m.

Elementary School Parents: 10-10:45 a.m.

Secondary School Parents: 11-11:45 a.m.

SOMA Parents of Students of African Descent: Noon to 12:45 p.m.

Parents of Students with Special Needs: 1-1:45 p.m.

Achieve: 2-2:45 p.m.Community Coalition on Race: 3-3:45 p.m.

Sessions for SOMEA members and Columbia High School students will also be scheduled.

Before attending the group meetings, stakeholders are encouraged to consider the following questions:

What are the strengths of the South Orange-Maplewood School District? What are the challenges and issues the District faces now and in the future? What are the characteristics you think are necessary for the next Superintendent?

An online survey is also available for those who wish to provide feedback. The survey will be open through the end of September at: http://survey2.ecragroup.com/index.php/184848/lang-en.