CUMMING — Applications have begun to trickle in for those hoping to become the next superintendent of Forsyth County Schools. With the public comment period concluded, school board members say they have a good understanding of characteristics the community is looking for in Buster Evans’ successor. After six years with the district, Evans is retiring June 30 to become assistant commissioner of education with the Department of Corrections. An interim superintendent will be named May 15 in order to have someone in place before Evans’ departure. A permanent superintendent likely will be approved sometime in the fall.“We’re being diligent and we hope that all of our hard work will pay off and somebody wonderful will come calling,” said Darla Light, who chairs the board.“I feel a great responsibility because Buster’s been so good and we’re in such a good place that it’s so important we not only maintain where we are but move forward.” Among the characteristics and qualifications deemed critical for applicants to possess: a proven leader; having an open management style; and inspiring others to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the organization. The next superintendent must also have high moral character, strong communication skills and a powerful and deep-seated belief that all students can learn. Those are in addition to formal education, training and expertise in educational leadership and being well-versed in the use of technology. Applications will be accepted through May 2, said Light, who added that the Georgia School Board Association was handling the application process for the school district. While the association is vetting candidates, all applicant information will be sent to the school board in three groups ranked as most qualified, somewhat qualified and not qualified. Light said the board left some requirement fields open so as not to rule out candidates who may not have previous experience as superintendent, but could be an ideal candidate. Still, Light anticipates the school system’s success will attract the highest caliber of candidates.“We didn’t want to exclude anybody that was really good just because they didn’t have one particular experience,” she said. “But Forsyth County is such a great place to be that we’ll have some really good applications and a lot of national applicants too, not just from around here.”
CUMMING — Applications have begun to trickle in for those hoping to become the next superintendent of Forsyth County Schools. With the public comment period concluded, school board members say they have a good understanding of characteristics the community is looking for in Buster Evans’ successor. After six years with the district, Evans is retiring June 30 to become assistant commissioner of education with the Department of Corrections. An interim superintendent will be named May 15 in order to have someone in place before Evans’ departure. A permanent superintendent likely will be approved sometime in the fall.“We’re being diligent and we hope that all of our hard work will pay off and somebody wonderful will come calling,” said Darla Light, who chairs the board.“I feel a great responsibility because Buster’s been so good and we’re in such a good place that it’s so important we not only maintain where we are but move forward.” Among the characteristics and qualifications deemed critical for applicants to possess: a proven leader; having an open management style; and inspiring others to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the organization. The next superintendent must also have high moral character, strong communication skills and a powerful and deep-seated belief that all students can learn. Those are in addition to formal education, training and expertise in educational leadership and being well-versed in the use of technology. Applications will be accepted through May 2, said Light, who added that the Georgia School Board Association was handling the application process for the school district. While the association is vetting candidates, all applicant information will be sent to the school board in three groups ranked as most qualified, somewhat qualified and not qualified. Light said the board left some requirement fields open so as not to rule out candidates who may not have previous experience as superintendent, but could be an ideal candidate. Still, Light anticipates the school system’s success will attract the highest caliber of candidates.“We didn’t want to exclude anybody that was really good just because they didn’t have one particular experience,” she said. “But Forsyth County is such a great place to be that we’ll have some really good applications and a lot of national applicants too, not just from around here.”