GREAT FALLS — The Montana School for the Deaf & Blind in Great Falls is looking for a new superintendent.
A public forum was held on Thursday evening to discuss standards and responsibilities for the school’s new superintendent, and people had the opportunity to voice their concerns and expectations of the position.
They were given a list of 11 questions and took turns addressing them.
Here is the list of questions:
- What do you see as the strengths of the services and supports provided by Montana School for the Deaf and Blind?
- What do you see as the positives of the community served by MSDB?
- What are some of the key challenges facing MSDB in the near future?
- What are some of the critical issues that new superintendent will need to address in the first year of their work at MSDB?
- Who are some of the important stakeholders that a new superintendent should use as an information resource?
- What are some leadership qualities that you think are important for the new superintendent to possess?
- Describe some communication processes that would like to see a ne superintendent use.
- Is there any information you would like to share concerning the community school or superintendent position that would have an impact on the process or selection of a new superintendent?
- Do you have the names of the individuals that you would like us to contact about applying for this position?
- Do you have any questions regarding the process?
- Are there any specific questions that you would think the board members or committee should ask?
We spoke with Peter Donovan, who is on the Board of Public Education at the school: “The people here are really looking here for a leader who can process all the diversity here of the students, someone who will really represent the school well, both the blind and deaf communities. Someone who will unify and really support the school as well as being able to work with the Legislature and communicate with parents and all of the interested communities, because this really is a special place and the student population and the parents and families are very engaged in this."
Donovan also noted, “The board doesn’t have anyone specifically in mind, we are now advertising the position and we are working with the state and human resources department through a state agency."
Click here to view the job listing; if you have any questions, you can email Donovan at pdonovan@mt.gov. Click here to visit the MSDB website.
