Lake Orion High School’s principal position was officially posted by the district June 11, but administrators and the selection committee have yet to find a suitable candidate.
‘We’re still interviewing,? said Superintendent Ken Gutman. ‘We [had] more interviews Friday and if we’re unable to secure a permanent replacement, we’ll place an interim to start the year.?
The position became vacant when the district decided not to renew former-principal Todd Dunckley’s contract another year. Dunckley started at Oakview Middle School as assistant principal July 1.
The district is currently looking at prospective interim principals as well as permanent candidates, but Gutman says there will be someone there at the beginning of the school year.
‘If we have to start the year with an interim, we’re going to continue the search for a replacement,? he said. ‘The worry that you hear expressed the most is will that person have a long-term commitment to the district or will the staff or students perceive that person as someone having long-term interest in the district.?
But, Gutman says, the district doesn’t want to force the hiring process and end up with a principal who doesn’t ‘fit.?
So far the district’s interviewed one candidate who’s met criteria, and that person accepted a principalship in a different district.
‘Fit is the most important criteria, according to the superintendent. In addition, the district’s other desired qualifications include a master’s or other high degree in administration with experience in education, a high school administrative background, a track record of improving standardized test scores and teaching experience, as well as qualities like leadership, good decision-making skills, problem-solving skills and staff collaboration, among others.
A combination of those criteria and the right ‘fit? is what the district isn’t finding in candidates as the beginning of the school year draws nearer.
‘The difficulty is the candidates are not out there,? Gutman said. ‘We’ve done very careful paper screening of the candidates who come in, and what we’ve found is what other districts in this area have found: not as many people desire to be high school principals anymore. It’s a very difficult job, it’s a whole different lifestyle, the commitment is huge and a lot of people would prefer to have more time with family and time with friends.?
An interim principal could come from in or outside the district but administrators say they aren’t making any decisions just yet. Gutman says an interim could come from a sort of administrator ‘temp. agency.?
‘There’s a vast formal and informal network of people who look for these types of positions. There are some companies that employ interim administrators.?
The school year officially begins September 8 at the high school.