District 13 begins superintendent search

The District 13 Board of Education has taken its first step to finding a new superintendent by hiring a search firm. The board selected New York City-based School Leadership, LLC to find a permanent replacement for retiring Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Lison.

School Leadership was hired at a cost of $15,600. Board of Education President Frank Chiachiere said that officials from the search firm will lead several community focus groups to get input on what characteristics people want to see in the next superintendent. Those focus groups will be held with teachers, parents, community organizations and others interested in the search.

After getting feedback from the community and the Board of Education, School Leadership will then develop a profile of what the next superintendent should “look like,” Chiachiere said. That will include required educational experience and skills sets.

Advertisements will be placed in the New York Times and Education Week, as well as online. School Leadership will also send out letters and reach out to universities that grant advanced degrees.

Lison has announced her retirement at the end of the school year. Chiachiere said because of that, School Leadership will create a search timeline that will ensure a new superintendent is in place by July 1. “I’m hoping for an April or May appointment,” he said.

Chiachiere, who has done consulting work for School Leadership, said he did not take part in the process to hire a search firm, and abstained from the vote approving School Leadership on Nov. 23.

In his place, board trustee Bill Stris led the process to hire a search firm. Stris said School Leadership was chosen because it is the most qualified to lead the search and many of the consultants are local. He noted that the district got a price break because the company is also being considered for the Valley Stream Central High School District’s superintendent search.

Both positions are listed on School Leadership’s website, www.leadschools.org, noting that specifications and application deadlines for both jobs are still being developed.

School Leadership was also used by District 30 three years ago for its superintendent search, which netted current schools chief Dr. Elaine Kanas.

Lison has been superintendent of District 13 for the past eight years, and has been and elementary school teacher, elementary principal and an assistant superintendent in a K-12 district before coming to Valley Stream. Chiachiere described Lison as “the whole package” and said that he is hoping the district can find a new school leader to continue her legacy.