Berkeley County Schools Superintendent search moves to interview phase

The Berkeley County Board of Education began the first round of interviews of candidates for the Superintendent position on Monday, July 10. This comes almost a month after the applications closed on June 12.

Board Chair Sally Wofford explained that the interview process should take approximately two weeks.

“These interviews are being conducted in closed session meetings and should conclude in the next two weeks,” said Wofford in a statement released to the press. “This part of the process is confidential to protect the privacy of the candidates being interviewed—many of whom are currently sitting Superintendents. As soon as the Board selects finalists, they will be appropriately announced.”

According to the official announcement of the search for a new Superintendent by Berkeley County Schools, the ideal candidate is a “dynamic and innovative leader” who has a doctorate degree from an accredited college or university and experience in the central office, as a teacher, building level principal, deputy superintendent and/or superintendent.

The application materials for the position state that the candidate must also demonstrate success in “visionary educational leadership; curriculum and instruction; goal-setting and monitoring achievement; fostering community and intergovernmental partnerships; administration and organizations of short-term and long-term strategic planning, budgeting, personnel and facility management; strong communication skills and effective team-building; procuring additional funding; visibility and involvement in community activities; leadership in maintaining safe and orderly school environments; planning and funding of school facilities; decision-making, delegation, and follow-through;” as well as ability “in multicultural environments and relationship building.”

Despite several requests, the district did not respond by press time to questions about the number of applicants in the running for the post, or the states in which they reside. According to the press release, the Board expects to finalize the search by September 1, 2017.