Candidate profile latest step in Fayette superintendent search

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A search committee is “well underway” in its search fro a new Fayette County schools superintendent with a profile for candidates posted as the latest step in the process to find the write person to lead Kentucky’s second largest school.

According to the Board of Education, the Superintendent Profile, developed with the community’s input, is now posted on FCPS’s dedicated Superintendent Search website at fcps.net/search.

Education executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has been retained to support the board to select the district’s next superintendent.

“We’re coming out of a challenging time and we’re grateful to the community for coming together and actively supporting the search process,” said board Chair Tyler Murphy. “The feedback provided through more than 60 listening sessions will continue to guide us throughout this journey.”

The Fayette County Public Schools community — board members, students, teachers, administrators, classified staff, families, higher education partners, faith-based organizations, businesses, non-profits, service groups, community leaders, and government agencies — had the opportunity to share what they value about the district and its future, Murphy said in a statement.

Based on the feedback gathered from the FCPS community, the traits identified for the next superintendent include:

• Putting students first.
• Providing all teachers, students, and staff with the most effective resources.
• Demonstrated success in leading initiatives that have resulted in meaningful and quantifiable improvement in advancing the district/school commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Innovative approaches to the district’s challenges, which have been further highlighted by COVID-19.

The Superintendent Screening Committee, chaired by Jessica Hiler, president of the Fayette County Education Association, is encouraging community referrals.

The Superintendent Position Profile is available on the search site. Nominations can be sent directly to Ann Bailey, senior executive search consultant at Greenwood/Asher & Associates at annbailey@greenwoodsearch.com.

Advertising has begun in diverse education job sites, as well as state and national outlets, according to the district.

At the end of April, the Superintendent Screening Committee will begin reviewing the leading prospects for consideration in the first round of interviews, which are expected to take place in May.

Information about the candidates will be kept confidential to protect the privacy of the applicants. Once finalists are selected, names will be publicly announced, and the community will have an opportunity to engage with candidates at that time.

The FCPS board plans to have the new superintendent selected and onsite for the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

Find the latest updates by visiting the board’s search page at fcps.net/search.