Superintendent Candidate Discusses Community Engagement and Leadership Stability at Forest Hills

The Forest Hills Public Schools Special Board of Education Meeting held on March 19, 2024, focused on key strategies for enhancing student retention and community engagement. The meeting highlighted the importance of understanding community needs and the challenges faced by the district in retaining students.

During the discussions, a board member raised concerns about students leaving the district and asked for plans to retain resident children and attract more families to Forest Hills. The response emphasized the necessity of listening to community feedback and understanding the diverse reasons families choose different educational options. The speaker noted that they had engaged in numerous conversations with community members to gather insights and planned to implement a staff engagement survey, which would also include a community engagement component. This survey aims to collect valuable feedback on community perceptions and needs.

Another significant topic was the balance between understanding the district's culture and taking immediate action on pressing issues. The speaker acknowledged the importance of trusting experienced central office staff and collaborating with principals to identify areas requiring prompt attention. They stressed the need for effective decision-making, even when complete information is not available, and highlighted past experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic as examples of making timely decisions under pressure.

The meeting also addressed conflict management within the district. The speaker advocated for a culture that encourages open dialogue and difficult conversations among leadership and stakeholders. They emphasized the importance of listening to community concerns and engaging in constructive discussions to find solutions.

Finally, the speaker reflected on the significance of stable leadership within the district, noting that a history of long-serving superintendents indicates a supportive environment. They expressed a commitment to fostering stability in administration by supporting and mentoring staff, ensuring they feel empowered to take on challenges.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to understanding community needs, enhancing student retention, and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for both staff and families. The next steps involve implementing the engagement surveys and continuing to build relationships within the community to address the challenges identified.