While interim superintendent Dr. Jim Causby holds the reigns of the school board for a while, the search for a permanent replacement continues.
That search includes public forums, online surveys and open comment sessions that have revealed a major ideal that the community seeks in a new superintendent.
“I’m here because I care that my child is in a school system that believes in racial equity and that all children have the same opportunities that my child has,” said Samantha Cabe, a parent in the district.
She expressed her concerns about racial equality during the last board meeting in June.
“From the top down, from the superintendent down, we need to have an attitude that is about love of community and a love of neighbors – and I mean all neighbors,” Cabe said.
Cabe was one of several community members who participated in the 45 minutes of public comment during the Project Advance presentation. During the open conversation, community members, educators and representatives from the NAACP and various teacher organizations, shared their ideal qualities for a new superintendent.
Appointing a strong communicator was a popular topic, as well as improving teacher pay and quality of resources. But the overwhelming theme centered on racial equity.
“My kids just can’t afford to continue to slip through the cracks,” said Kinetta Clarke, another mother in the school district. “This district needs someone who is serious committed and is ready to lead with an equity lens.”
Clarke said she worries for her children and the education they will receive. She spoke for several minutes about the new superintendent’s need to recognize and support all parts of the community.
Her concerns were echoed by Michelle Laws who advocated for African American and other minority communities.
“This superintendent must understand that you can’t have a vision that leaves so many children behind,” Laws said. “You also must have your doors open and be willing to take those hard calls. All parents need to feel like they can come here and have a door open to them that will not remain closed.”
Thursday’s board meeting will allow community members to voice their opinions that will help board members understand what qualities and characteristics are most important to the school system.
The board is encouraging interested parents and community members to complete an online survey available in English or Spanish. They can also attend one of the upcoming public forums held on August 30 at 7:00pm at Chapel Hill High School or September 10 at 1:30pm at Northside Elementary School.
Interested community members can also submit written statements to Allison Schafer via mail, at NCSBA, P.O. Box 97877, Raleigh, NC 27624, email, at aschafer@ncsba.org, or fax, at 919-841-4020.
All surveys and comments must be completed by Thursday, September 1. The North Carolina School Board Association will then compile, summarize and present its findings at a board meeting on September 15. Those interested in applying for the superintendent position must complete an application and meet requirements detailed on the NCSBA website by September 1.
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