Fayette County School Superintendent Jody Barrow announced his retirement at the Feb. 24 school board meeting. Board Chairman Scott Hollowell on Feb. 25 released a statement commending Barrow for his work on behalf of, and dedication to, the community.
“The Board of Education would like to commend Dr. Barrow for his work and dedication to the students, staff and the Fayette County community, and wish him all the best in his future retirement endeavors. His commitment to the district and our system’s continued growth and improvement has been greatly appreciated. Dr. Barrow will continue to lead the district through the end of June,” Hollowell said.
“As Dr. Barrow has noted, the board also feels the school district is in a strong position and the board will immediately begin the work to find his successor. The Board of Education has already been working to determine what the search parameters will look like moving forward. The board will officially open the position announcement for a window of time until the position is filled,” Hollowell continued.
Hollowell said both internal and external candidates will be considered, with a specific focus on individuals who have a proven track record as an innovative leader.
“Over the last several weeks, the board has already initiated recruitment, reviewing and screening individuals that will be specifically invited to apply, in addition, to those who will be interested in self-nomination,” Hollowell said. “In conferring with the board’s legal counsel, applications and qualifications will be considered, and the board will determine the individuals they select to interview.”
Hollowell said the process of searching for Barrow’s replacement began with a called board meeting being on Feb. 25.
“All meetings conducted during the search process, by the board, will follow the legally established Board of Education meeting requirements. Please note that much of the search process (e.g., application review, interview selection, actual interviews, etc.) for the superintendent search candidates will be conducted in Executive Session. The Board of Education will release updated information to the public, as required by law, as the search process moves forward,” Hollowell said.
Hollowell also noted that those with specific feedback you would like for the school board to consider, regarding the search and selection process, share that with Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, the school system Public Information Officer, at berrydreisbach.melinda@mail.fcboe.org
The selection process needs greater transparency and public involvement. Why should this critical decision be made behind closed doors?
What kind of bureaucratic gobbledygook is this? What is the Board going to do? Has it already done something?