Laconia superintendent job posted, application deadline Jan. 9

LACONIA — The open superintendent position in the city school district is now open for applicants. The search committee is looking for a candidate with not only experience, but also educational leadership skills.

The Laconia School District has been working with the Bryan Group, a consulting firm hired by the New Hampshire School Boards Association, in what is to be a nationwide search for a position which has been filled by two interim superintendents over the past two school years.

Public input was collected through a survey, open through Nov. 19, asking for the community to weigh in on the qualities they are looking for in the next school district leader. There were questions about the district’s strengths and challenges, as well as roles or behaviors that were important, previous experience, and a chance to list any other qualities to be considered.

A 14-member committee of school leaders, parents and the public have been meeting in recent months to discuss what they want in a candidate. Senior Search Consultant Michele Munson of the Bryan Group East Coast Team has been leading the meetings, and was tasked with putting together and releasing the application notice.

“A lot of this is what is required by the district from the candidate, but also the leadership qualities and what Laconia needs at this point in time,” Munson said.

The three-page advertisement starts with a rundown of Laconia’s history and what makes it special, including the early days of being a manufacturing center, all the way to becoming a tourist destination in the heart of geographical beauty.

The notice also states that with three elementary schools, preschool opportunities, middle school, high school and the Huot Career and Technical Center, Laconia School District offers “exceptional and comprehensive education” for students from early childhood through adulthood.

The posting highlights some of the focuses of the district and what students are encouraged to take part in. This includes “rigorous academics and personalized learning pathways"; using brand new playgrounds, a modern stadium, and other state-of-the-art facilities; career-based learning experiences at the Huot; strong arts, music, and theater programs; adult education; and robotics and STEM learning opportunities.

The advertisement boasts the district’s “talented educators and highly effective administrative team,” as well as the school pride shown by the Laconia community. It states that schools are the heart of the city, and they are ready to welcome the next leader.

“The next Superintendent of the Laconia School District will find a community that believes deeply in its schools and a district poised for continued growth and innovation,” the advertisement states. “With a strong foundation, engaged families, and a clear vision for the future, Laconia offers an extraordinary opportunity to lead in a place where education truly matters.”

The district is looking for a leader who champions their schools and engages in collaborative leadership. The right candidate will have effective communication and strategic problem solving skills, while empowering leadership and team building. They will be expected to build relationships, advocate for students and be involved in program development.

Desired key traits of the right candidate include integrity, professionalism and strong character. They will be understanding, organized, accessible, effective as a motivator, and focused on learning.

Applicants should have five or more years of experience in a school administrator role, and district-level or school system level is preferred. They must also obtain, or be eligible for, superintendent certification, and the committee prefers someone who has experience as an educator.

Currently, the district is being led by Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds, who recently said she has no intention of throwing her hat in the ring. Before taking on the role, Hinds was the assistant superintendent, and school leaders have said she will get that job back once the new superintendent is found.

School board Chair LaToya Beck-Brown (Ward 4) said communication and approachability are paramount in the next superintendent.

Applications are due on Friday, Jan. 9, and the committee will then meet on Thursday, Jan. 22, to review them. Munson said the intention is to identify three finalists, who will be interviewed and then come to the district to meet the board and the public. The hope of the school board is to have the candidate chosen before March, and the starting date for the position will be July 1.

Potential candidates will apply through Schoolspring.org, and must include a letter of interest, resume, a verification of degrees and certification or eligibility, and three professional letters of reference from the last six months.

Salary is listed as competitive and depends on qualifications and experience.

For additional information, call Munson at 603-731-1087 or email her at MMunson1024@gmail.com. Details can also be found at SAU30.org.