An Invitation from the Middletown Board of Education © NESDEC 2026

Superintendent Qualities/Skills/Attributes Inventory

The Middletown Board of Education invites you to provide input regarding the characteristics believed to be important in the next Superintendent of Schools. Below are listed some of the qualities, skills and attributes deemed necessary to be an effective Superintendent. By checking the boxes next to your choices, please select the five (5) that you think are most important. You are also invited to comment on your five choices. All responses will be considered anonymous.

Your response would be appreciated by 11:59 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Thank you for your participation in this questionnaire.

Question Title

* 1. All of the below qualities/skills/attributes are deemed necessary for a superintendent's success in leading school districts. Of the choices listed below, choose the FIVE (5) you think are the most important for the new superintendent to embody.

I would like a leader who...

a.--uses a systematic approach to managing and improving the schools; has excellent organizational skills, working knowledge of school law and proven ability to resolve organizational conflicts.

b.--has the ability and insight to recruit and retain high quality staff; has strong personnel management practices and understanding of collective bargaining process.

c.--demonstrates support and has an appreciation for the role of extra-curricular (co-curricular) activities in the educational experiences of students.

d.--demonstrates a strong commitment to leading the effort to define and deliver an effective, consistent 21st Century education program for students of all backgrounds and ability levels.

e.--will be visible in schools, aware of current issues and activities in the schools and shows an interest in community affairs.

f.--possesses excellent people skills; demonstrates the ability to involve the community in developing and implementing goals; views the community/school relationship as a partnership.

g.--is able to motivate, lead, guide and direct people; is committed to implementing the mission statement and vision statement of the school system.

h.--has a good understanding of facilities management, including development of long-term maintenance plans, and budgeting/planning for future building needs.

i.--has an appreciation for the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of students and has an understanding of the development and implementation of support and intervention strategies to meet those needs.

j.--is able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

k.--has a strong working knowledge of school finance, including budget development and management; has the ability to effectively communicate regarding budgetary issues with the Board of Education, staff, community and local municipal officials; has clear understanding of federal, state, and local funding issues.

l.--has the commitment to supervise and evaluate school programs in the spirit of continuous improvement; has an understanding of educational practices, research and national/state/local initiatives; has the ability to frame issues for discussion, reach timely decisions and implement change.

m.--is committed to and fosters continuous staff development and emphasizes system-wide as well as individual development.

n.--understands that the Superintendent is responsible for management of the schools in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and also in compliance with the Board of Education's policies.

o.--has an understanding of technology as it applies to teaching and learning.

p.--understands the importance of accountability for staff and self; understands how to design and implement an evaluation process that establishes clear performance standards and follows through to resolve performance issues.

Question Title

* 2. In the space provided below, you are invited to provide your reasons and/or additional commentary regarding the five qualities/skills/experiences you chose as the most important for the new Superintendent's success in this school district.

Question Title

* 3. In the space below, please indicate the challenges and tasks you think are important for the new Superintendent to focus upon in their first six to twelve months in the position.

Question Title

* 4. In the space below, you are invited to provide additional comments or information that you think would be helpful to the Board of Education as it seeks to find a new Superintendent of Schools.

Question Title

* 5. Which ONE of the following best describes your role in the school system?

Teacher

Support Staff

Administrator

Parent

Student

Community Member

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 1. All of the below qualities/skills/attributes are deemed necessary for a superintendent's success in leading school districts. Of the choices listed below, choose the FIVE (5) you think are the most important for the new superintendent to embody. I would like a leader who...

Question Title

* 2. In the space provided below, you are invited to provide your reasons and/or additional commentary regarding the five qualities/skills/experiences you chose as the most important for the new Superintendent's success in this school district.

Question Title

* 3. In the space below, please indicate the challenges and tasks you think are important for the new Superintendent to focus upon in their first six to twelve months in the position.

Question Title

* 4. In the space below, you are invited to provide additional comments or information that you think would be helpful to the Board of Education as it seeks to find a new Superintendent of Schools.

Question Title

* 5. Which ONE of the following best describes your role in the school system?

* 1. All of the below qualities/skills/attributes are deemed necessary for a superintendent's success in leading school districts. Of the choices listed below, choose the FIVE (5) you think are the most important for the new superintendent to embody.

I would like a leader who...