Chappaqua BOE Briefs Public On Superintendent Search Process

For the first time since revamping the superintendent search process amid critical community reception, the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education brought people up to speed on what is going on at its meeting this week.

School Board President Jeffrey Mester said that they hope to have an interim superintendent selected by its June 15 meeting – a goal but not a binding date – and that they would consider both internal and external candidates in doing so. He gave two reasons for having that date as the target: to present the person publicly, and to give some overlap time with outgoing Superintendent David Fleishman before he departs. After Fleishman leaves, he is going on to take on the same position at the Newtown, MA school system. 

As for the search for a permanent superintendent, Mester said at the meeting that there will be more details and a timeline either by late June or in July.

Mester also read from the results of the initial search process, which were presented to the board by School Leadership, LLC, which was the search firm. The board, which initially wanted to look at internal candidates first, dropped that position after receiving negative public feedback.

Members of an informal group that gave suggestions for changing the process came to the meeting to present their ideas for going forward, and made up the bulk of the people who gave public comments.

Jim Nottingham, a Millwood resident and one of the members, stressed in his remarks that they were there representing themselves as individuals, rather than part of a group.

Charles Steinhorn, Chappaqua, was another member of the unofficial association. He spoke of a need for a superintendent to face challenges that schools in general are facing, such as finances and national school standards. He also called for a process that involves the community.

Michael Kaufman, a Chappaqua resident and also an informal member, stressed the need to have a search committee, which the group has called for doing. The things he said a committee should do included seeking feedback from the community, setting clear objectives and choosing a great search firm.

The full report from School Leadership, LLC is attached to this article.