July 17, 2009 

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

Late yesterday I sent a letter to MPS School Board President Michael Bonds detailing my thoughts on the search for the next Superintendent. As Mayor and Chair of the MPS Innovation and Improvement Advisory Council, I know that one of the most important decisions that will be made in this community in the near future is the selection of the next Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools.

It’s clear to me that it is absolutely critical that the Advisory Council participate in selecting the next superintendent given the role Council members play in working with the district to achieve greater fiscal efficiency, monitoring the Corrective Action Plan and working to maximize federal dollars. Prospective candidates must know this community is united around the effort to find the best possible leader for our schools.

Council members and I have identified the following characteristics that are essential in the next Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools.

  1. Experience in a diverse, urban community and a genuine understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that environment presents.
  2. Strong leadership and the proven ability to identify talented individuals, empower and encourage them to succeed, and hold them accountable for success.
  3. Demonstrated negotiation and problem-solving skills. The next superintendent must not only be able to identify strategies for success, but also be able to bring the necessary stakeholders together to implement those strategies. 
  4. Excellent communication skills and the ability to garner the support of teachers and parents.
  5. Experience managing large, complex and diverse entities and demonstration of sound business practices.
  6. Focus on research-driven strategies and the commitment to using research-based evidence to drive education reform.
  7. Ability and willingness to be pro-active and innovative and not allow excuses to stand in the way of success.

Please feel free to follow this link to read the letter in its entirety.

Sincerely,

 

Mayor, City of Milwaukee  

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor  

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