Ideal Candidate Profile
Last Updated September 26, 2022
On September 8, Human Capital Enterprises (HCE), the search firm hired by the Bellevue School District Board of Directors, presented the Ideal Candidate Profile. The Ideal Candidate Profile was developed based on feedback from the community, which was shared via listening sessions conducted by School Board Directors, stakeholder focus groups, and a community survey that closed on September 1.
During the week of September 12, HCE conducted additional focus groups to review and refine the draft Ideal Candidate Profile which will be used to recruit candidates and select our next superintendent. The Board approved the Ideal Candidate Profile at its September 22 meeting. The approved profile is shown below.
Bellevue School District’s Ideal Profile for the Next Superintendent – September 22, 2022
Below are the specific criteria that the consultants will use in identifying outstanding prospects for the position of Superintendent of Schools. It is also a document which the Board will use in the selection phase of the search. These characteristics emanate from large-scale community feedback through two rounds of Focus Groups, Interviews, Listening Sessions, citizen-generated Emails, and an Online Survey.
Distilling a list from so much input is both an art and a science, but ultimately must reflect the desires of the elected school board. With deep input from the Bellevue community, the elected school board has identified these as the most significant attributes in recruiting and selecting its next Superintendent of Schools. The board also states that local knowledge of the immediate education landscape is of value, and may be used as a substitute for one of the attributes below.
The Bellevue School District seeks an exceptional educational leader who:
- Places top priority on student well-being, with the student at the center of decision-making; and recognizes that youth are capable of playing a vital role in decisions that affect them — and that they must be afforded that voice.
- Has a deep understanding of classroom instruction, educational systems, and youth.
- Has improved operational and academic systems in a complex organization.
- Has pushed to end historical inequities for students by demanding an end to institutional racism where it exists.
- Has served as a Superintendent or Chief Executive of an educational entity and has successfully worked with a Board.
- Brings an inspiring, motivational presence.
and who embodies the following:
- The ability to communicate compellingly, knowledgably, empathetically, and with ease in a multitude of venues and with a diversity of audiences.
- Strength, convictions, fortitude, and the courage to stand up for doing what’s right in the face of adversity.
- Cultural awareness and a growth mindset with respect to race, class, ethnicity, multilingualism, ability, sexual/gender identity and religion.
- A champion for building and sustaining a diverse workplace.
- A core belief, evidenced through action, that we solve problems, build programs, progress, and enhance our school system through innovative, creative approaches.
- A commitment to building an innovative vision through authentic collaboration with our educators, our staff, and our community partners.
- A commitment to holding self and the organization accountable to public trust.
- Honesty, transparency, and fairness.
- A deep understanding around authentic family engagement.
- Approachability, and a builder of genuine relationships. Speaks with one voice to all stakeholders.