Leadership Style

Just as leopards can't change their spots leaders will lead according to their formed styles. In general I see those who lead as commanders in an autocratic and often charismatic manner, directing subordinates in a controlled manner. I also see leaders who embrace a democratic leadership style with more egalitarian approach to goal setting and accountability. The leadership goal is to create consensus and is often deferential to authority (like the board).

Both styles are valid depending upon the circumstances the organization faces, on what the team needs at the time. From your perspective what do Baldwin County schools need now, a commander or a consensus builder, as our next leader? What do you think?

Priorities and Qualifications

Dr. Hollinger was hired in 2002. At that time the system was faced with financial challenges, overcrowded facilities with hundreds of portable classrooms, and technology issues that included a lack of internet access at more than half our schools and more than half of employees lacked basic computer training. That was then.

Today we are faced with many challenges including but not limited to serious financial issues, large scale workforce cutbacks, No Child Left Behind and graduation requirements, intergovernmental relations with the cities, legislature and county commission. The new superintendent will not likely be an expert in all of the challenge areas (no one could be). How should the system challenges we face be prioritized? What do you think?

The Importance of classroom and administrative experience

Is the superintendent a "Chief Educator" or "Chief Executive" of an educational enterprise? How important is classroom experience or for that matter, local administration experience? What do you think?

Prior Experience as a Superintendent

The view has been expressed that the Baldwin System is of such a size and is so complex that only someone with prior experience as a superintendent should be hired to administer our system. What do you think?

The importance of an earned doctorate

In creating a statement of qualifications how important is an earned doctorate? And if important must the doctorate be an Ed.D.? What do you think?

Asking For Input

Over the next few months the Baldwin Board of Education will begin the process of selecting a school superintendent to replace Dr. Faron Hollinger. This is the most important responsibility the board bears. This blog is created to give my constituents a forum for expressing their opinions, concerns, views regarding the process, the qualities they believe are important in a superintendent, and the goals they believe the board should set for a new superintendent.

I welcome constructive thoughts.