Dear GCSD Community,
As you may be aware, on Oct. 23, Guilderland Central School District Superintendent Dr. Wiles announced her intent to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. In doing so, Dr. Wiles provided the Board of Education and school community with the professional courtesy of affording sufficient time to conduct a search for her replacement and ensure a smooth transition. The board thanks Dr. Wiles for her hard work and continued commitment to our learning community.
As a board, we have spent substantial time discussing our approach to finding the next leader of the district. This has included working with Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent Lauren Gemmill, who outlined a detailed plan during the regular board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Given our desire to attract the very best candidates, with qualifications and experience that fit our unique community, the board, with the assistance of Ms. Gemmill, has determined that a comprehensive confidential executive search is the most effective way to proceed. A confidential search will ensure a robust, experienced pool of applicants with strong educational leadership for consideration.
As we often do in Guilderland, we will offer the school community the opportunity to provide feedback, because the search will be shaped by input from GCSD stakeholders. Focus groups will begin immediately, as we will rely heavily on community feedback and input regarding our strengths, challenges, and the most important qualities and experience to look for in our next leader. All community members are welcome to participate in a focus group that fits their demographic; 20 groups will be held. More information, including a schedule, can be found on the Superintendent Search page of the district website.
In addition to participating in a focus group, we invite all members of the greater school community, including students, parents, staff, and residents, to complete an online survey and share their thoughts. This brief survey seeks input about what characteristics and skills are desired of the next superintendent and will remain open until Friday, Jan. 11. Take the anonymous community survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCSDsearch. The survey and focus group results will assist in developing the invitation to apply, which will open in January.
The GCSD Board of Education is committed to partnering with Lauren Gemmill, Capital Region BOCES, and the Guilderland community in finding the best leader for our schools. The search is expected to take place throughout the winter and provide the board with candidates for final interview in early spring, with the objective of having a new superintendent in place by summer, ready to begin the 2025-26 school year.
Sincerely,
Blanca Gonzalez-Parker
President, GCSD Board of Education