The Final Interview

The Final Interview

Questions a Superintendent might ask in an interview with the School Board.
Contributors:  Brian Benzel,  Edited by Jack McKay

You can make a great impression upon a school board by coming to the interview with wise, thoughtful questions.

Boards tend to leave too little time for you to ask questions, especially in the initial interview. The degree to which the interview allows you such time is a good indicator of the Board’s style and culture. Still, it is essential to be prepared with several questions.

A second board interview is likely for the finalist candidates. That opportunity provides more in-depth and sometimes informal conversations with the Board. Understanding the Board’s answers is essential in deciding if you will accept an offer to become their superintendent.

When that time comes in the interview, the questions you ask can help you demonstrate that you’ve done your homework, are engaged, and are interested. You’ll also learn more about the job, the district’s culture, and the people you’ll work with if you are selected, especially the school board members.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE JOB

Use these questions to learn about the superintendent’s position value to the district.

  1. What do you expect to be a typical day for the superintendent of this district?
  2. What primary superintendent duties do you anticipate will need to be changed within the next year?
  3. Are there any missing talents or skills on the administrative team you hope to fill with this person?
  4. Describe the primary challenges that need to be addressed in three to five years.
  5. What are the school board’s priorities for the coming three to five years? Is there a consensus on these priorities?
  6. How does the board plan to provide feedback to me about priorities?
  7. Has the Board examined or developed operating principles that apply to the board-superintendent relationship?
  8. How do you individually prepare for each board meeting?

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT DEVELOPMENT AND EXPECTATIONS
This category of questions can provide insight into the district’s professional development and advancement opportunities.

  1. How will my performance be assessed?
  2. How often does the Board intend to conduct performance reviews?
  3. What kind of professional development opportunities are available for the principals and teachers?
  4. Will you expect the superintendent to participate in professional development activities at conferences in the future?
  5. Is the Board prepared to invest in the superintendent’s continuing professional development?

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Turning the focus onto the school board, you can add humor and warmth to the interview process.

  1. Describe the most satisfying experience you’ve had as a school board member.
  2. Describe the most disappointing or difficult experience you’ve had as a school board member.
  3. What’s motivated you to run for a seat on the school board? Why have you stayed?
  4. What gives you satisfaction about being a part of the school board?
  5. What is the hardest thing about being on the school board for you?
  6. What’s the most interesting/important skill this position has taught you?
  7. What brings joy into your life as a school board member?

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY CULTURE
This category allows you to ask about the culture the Board wants to project. You can find out whether the district’s values align with your own.

  1. How would you describe the district and community culture?
  2. What kind of person tends to be happiest here?
  3. What recent challenges have the district faced, and how has it handled them?
  4. How has the district changed during your time on the Board?
  5. What are your favorite district traditions or celebrations?
  6. What do you see as the district’s trajectory in the next few years?
  7. What does the district offer to help the new superintendent achieve a work-life balance?
  8. How would you say this district’s culture differs from other school districts?
  9. How does the Board handle disagreements? With each other? With the superintendent?

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE NEXT STEPS
The interviewer’s answers to questions about the next steps in the process will demystify onboarding and give you a picture of how seriously they take you.

  1. How will the Board assist the new superintendent in being successful?
  2. Is there any information about myself I haven’t already volunteered that you would like to ask?

QUESTIONS TO WOW YOUR INTERVIEWER
Of the past superintendents, what was the difference between those who were okay and the ones that were great?

Adapted from an article by Matthew Sweeney on the ZDnet site.

Contributors;  Brian Benzel, Former Superintendent of the Edmonds and Spokane School Districts.