Hamilton County Department of Education officials are launching a principal selection process with a plan to hire the next generation of school leaders.
"Because hiring outstanding principals is one of the most important things a school system can do, HCDE has created a new three step, transparent process to ensure district leaders recruit and select the best possible candidates," officials said.
Assistant Superintendent for Operations Zac Brown, stresses the importance of hiring great
principals. “One of the district’s top priorities is to have great leadership in all of our schools. We
know great leaders can inspire teachers to maximize their talents to ensure all students receive a
first class education.”
With this new process principal candidates will be required to create a short presentation about
what makes a great school during their initial interview later this month.
The second round of interviews for chosen candidates include a writing sample and roundtable discussion.
“The candidates will be given a scenario and will have time to prepare for afishbowl-style group conversation,” said Chief Academic Officer Jill Levine. “This kind of interaction can lead to an open and honest discussion among the candidates in front of community members and the hiring committee.”
The third step involves informal April site visits by HCDE assistant superintendents to shadow
selected candidates in their current positions. The hiring committee will then make final principal
recommendations in May.
“Not only does this process broaden who’s involved in the selection process, but it’s also designed to be more engaging for the applicants” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Justin Robertson. “We want prospective principal applicants to know how important our principals are to us, and this process will demonstrate the importance to them."