DURHAM — The Durham-Middlefield school district is collecting data from individuals and focus groups on what qualities the community wants in a new superintendent.
Regional School District 13's former Superintendent Doug Schuch resigned on Jan. 8.
Interim Superintendent Patricia Charles immediately assumed his role. Charles, former superintendent of Middletown Public Schools, is also the onetime principal of Farm Hill Elementary School in Middletown.
Schuch stepped down following a Board of Education oversight committee report examining reasons behind the resignation of five special education teachers over a relatively short period of time.
The results revealed a pattern of actions by administrators that created a “significant culture of fear,” according to report.
Board Chairwoman Lindsay Dahlheimer outlined Monday what attributes district leaders would like to see in potential candidates.
“Many attributes detailed in the survey reflect a variety of qualities board members value in a leader,” she said.
“The focus groups and survey data will allow the consultant to prioritize qualities, gather additional input from the community, and provide an independent analysis of what all stakeholders consider most important,” a “crucial” step in selecting the district’s new leader, Dahlheimer said.
Mary Broderick, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education senior search consultant, is conducting the survey to be used to gauge the community's feelings about what qualities, experiences and characteristics a candidate should have.
The consultant is seeking feedback on the two most significant strengths of the public schools, as well as important issues or challenges a new schools chief will face.
Survey participants can also choose five of 11 most important qualities sought in a new leader, as well as their personal qualities. Feedback will help create a leadership profile, according to the survey.
Community members can also suggest candidates on the survey or during a focus group session scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
There will also be middle and high school student sessions.
Teachers, administrators, staff, parents, town officials, local organizations and members of the community are encouraged to complete the questionnaire by visiting surveymonkey.com.
The deadline for responses is Feb. 19 at 5 p.m.
Feb 12, 2025
Reporter
Cassandra Day is an assistant managing editor with the Middletown Press. She is an award-winning multimedia journalist and resident of the North End of Middletown who has been reporting nearly every facet of the city for over two decades.