RSU 71 Superintendent Search

COMMUNITY SURVEY

We invite you to share your thoughts by completing this survey as part of the Superintendent Search for RSU 71.

Your responses will guide the School Board in selecting the next Superintendent. Specifically, the information you provide will help the Board:

Create a review matrix for screening applications
Design interview questions and a scoring rubric
Provide the Board with the qualities and characteristics of your next Superintendent

All survey responses are anonymous and will be compiled by an independent third party. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughtful input.

Please complete this survey no later than September 30, 2025.

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* 1. Are you interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee? If you are not interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee, please skip to Question 3. Please note that if you are selected, you are required to attend a virtual training on October 9^th at 5:30 pm.

Yes

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* 2. If you are interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee, please fill out the contact information below.

Name

Telephone

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* 3. Your relation to Regional School Unit 71. Please check the group(s) you represent – click all that apply.

A resident of Belfast

A resident of Belmont

A resident of Morrill

A resident of Searsmont

A resident of Swanville

A municipal officer/employee of Belfast

A municipal officer/employee of Belmont

A municipal officer/employee of Morrill

A municipal officer/employee of Searsmont

A municipal officer/employee of Swanville

Teacher in RSU 71

A support staff member in RSU 71

A member of the RSU71 Board

A member of the RSU71 Central Office Staff

An administrator in RSU 71

A student in a RSU 71 school

A parent/guardian/family member of a student in a RSU 71 school

Other

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* 4. The priorities of the District are determined jointly by the Board and the Superintendent with input from stakeholders such as administration, teachers, staff, students and parents.

What do you see as the priorities of RSU 71’s next superintendent?

PLEASE RATE THESE PRIORITIES

	(1) Most Important	(2) Important	(3) Less Important	(4) Least Important	(5) Not Sure
District Leadership	District Leadership (1) Most Important	District Leadership (2) Important	District Leadership (3) Less Important	District Leadership (4) Least Important	District Leadership (5) Not Sure
Student Achievement	Student Achievement (1) Most Important	Student Achievement (2) Important	Student Achievement (3) Less Important	Student Achievement (4) Least Important	Student Achievement (5) Not Sure
Student Engagement	Student Engagement (1) Most Important	Student Engagement (2) Important	Student Engagement (3) Less Important	Student Engagement (4) Least Important	Student Engagement (5) Not Sure
Financial and Budget Management	Financial and Budget Management (1) Most Important	Financial and Budget Management (2) Important	Financial and Budget Management (3) Less Important	Financial and Budget Management (4) Least Important	Financial and Budget Management (5) Not Sure
Operations Excellence	Operations Excellence (1) Most Important	Operations Excellence (2) Important	Operations Excellence (3) Less Important	Operations Excellence (4) Least Important	Operations Excellence (5) Not Sure
Community Relations	Community Relations (1) Most Important	Community Relations (2) Important	Community Relations (3) Less Important	Community Relations (4) Least Important	Community Relations (5) Not Sure
Board Relations	Board Relations (1) Most Important	Board Relations (2) Important	Board Relations (3) Less Important	Board Relations (4) Least Important	Board Relations (5) Not Sure
School and Students Safety	School and Students Safety (1) Most Important	School and Students Safety (2) Important	School and Students Safety (3) Less Important	School and Students Safety (4) Least Important	School and Students Safety (5) Not Sure
School Climate and Culture	School Climate and Culture (1) Most Important	School Climate and Culture (2) Important	School Climate and Culture (3) Less Important	School Climate and Culture (4) Least Important	School Climate and Culture (5) Not Sure
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (1) Most Important	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (2) Important	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (3) Less Important	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (4) Least Important	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (5) Not Sure
Social and Emotional Health of Students and Staff	Social and Emotional Health of Students and Staff (1) Most Important	Social and Emotional Health of Students and Staff (2) Important	Social and Emotional Health of Students and Staff (3) Less Important	Social and Emotional Health of Students and Staff (4) Least Important	Social and Emotional Health of Students and Staff (5) Not Sure

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* 5. To be successful, a superintendent must have a combination of sufficient knowledge, judgment, and skills.

Rate the competencies you believe are most important for RSU 71 to have in the next superintendent.

PLEASE RATE THESE COMPETENCIES

	(1) Most Important	(2) Important	(3) Less Important	(4) Least Important	(5) Not Sure
Dedicated to providing parity and equal opportunity amongst all schools in RSU 71	Dedicated to providing parity and equal opportunity amongst all schools in RSU 71 (1) Most Important	Dedicated to providing parity and equal opportunity amongst all schools in RSU 71 (2) Important	Dedicated to providing parity and equal opportunity amongst all schools in RSU 71 (3) Less Important	Dedicated to providing parity and equal opportunity amongst all schools in RSU 71 (4) Least Important	Dedicated to providing parity and equal opportunity amongst all schools in RSU 71 (5) Not Sure
Describe and apply research and best practices on integrating curriculum and resources to help all learners achieve at high levels	Describe and apply research and best practices on integrating curriculum and resources to help all learners achieve at high levels (1) Most Important	Describe and apply research and best practices on integrating curriculum and resources to help all learners achieve at high levels (2) Important	Describe and apply research and best practices on integrating curriculum and resources to help all learners achieve at high levels (3) Less Important	Describe and apply research and best practices on integrating curriculum and resources to help all learners achieve at high levels (4) Least Important	Describe and apply research and best practices on integrating curriculum and resources to help all learners achieve at high levels (5) Not Sure
Through a visioning process, formulate strategic plans and goals with staff and community	Through a visioning process, formulate strategic plans and goals with staff and community (1) Most Important	Through a visioning process, formulate strategic plans and goals with staff and community (2) Important	Through a visioning process, formulate strategic plans and goals with staff and community (3) Less Important	Through a visioning process, formulate strategic plans and goals with staff and community (4) Least Important	Through a visioning process, formulate strategic plans and goals with staff and community (5) Not Sure
Model shared leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in decision-making	Model shared leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in decision-making (1) Most Important	Model shared leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in decision-making (2) Important	Model shared leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in decision-making (3) Less Important	Model shared leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in decision-making (4) Least Important	Model shared leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in decision-making (5) Not Sure
Ability to manage multiple organizational budgets and maintain accurate fiscal records	Ability to manage multiple organizational budgets and maintain accurate fiscal records (1) Most Important	Ability to manage multiple organizational budgets and maintain accurate fiscal records (2) Important	Ability to manage multiple organizational budgets and maintain accurate fiscal records (3) Less Important	Ability to manage multiple organizational budgets and maintain accurate fiscal records (4) Least Important	Ability to manage multiple organizational budgets and maintain accurate fiscal records (5) Not Sure
Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of the significance of diversity and respond to the needs of diverse learners	Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of the significance of diversity and respond to the needs of diverse learners (1) Most Important	Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of the significance of diversity and respond to the needs of diverse learners (2) Important	Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of the significance of diversity and respond to the needs of diverse learners (3) Less Important	Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of the significance of diversity and respond to the needs of diverse learners (4) Least Important	Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of the significance of diversity and respond to the needs of diverse learners (5) Not Sure
Ability to develop and mentor administrators, teachers and staff	Ability to develop and mentor administrators, teachers and staff (1) Most Important	Ability to develop and mentor administrators, teachers and staff (2) Important	Ability to develop and mentor administrators, teachers and staff (3) Less Important	Ability to develop and mentor administrators, teachers and staff (4) Least Important	Ability to develop and mentor administrators, teachers and staff (5) Not Sure
Create and monitor a positive working environment for all staff	Create and monitor a positive working environment for all staff (1) Most Important	Create and monitor a positive working environment for all staff (2) Important	Create and monitor a positive working environment for all staff (3) Less Important	Create and monitor a positive working environment for all staff (4) Least Important	Create and monitor a positive working environment for all staff (5) Not Sure
Communicate appropriately (speaking, listening and writing) for different audiences—students, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders	Communicate appropriately (speaking, listening and writing) for different audiences—students, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders (1) Most Important	Communicate appropriately (speaking, listening and writing) for different audiences—students, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders (2) Important	Communicate appropriately (speaking, listening and writing) for different audiences—students, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders (3) Less Important	Communicate appropriately (speaking, listening and writing) for different audiences—students, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders (4) Least Important	Communicate appropriately (speaking, listening and writing) for different audiences—students, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders (5) Not Sure
Be a strong spokesperson for the schools to community, including parents, taxpayers and media	Be a strong spokesperson for the schools to community, including parents, taxpayers and media (1) Most Important	Be a strong spokesperson for the schools to community, including parents, taxpayers and media (2) Important	Be a strong spokesperson for the schools to community, including parents, taxpayers and media (3) Less Important	Be a strong spokesperson for the schools to community, including parents, taxpayers and media (4) Least Important	Be a strong spokesperson for the schools to community, including parents, taxpayers and media (5) Not Sure
Understand and use technology as a management tool	Understand and use technology as a management tool (1) Most Important	Understand and use technology as a management tool (2) Important	Understand and use technology as a management tool (3) Less Important	Understand and use technology as a management tool (4) Least Important	Understand and use technology as a management tool (5) Not Sure
Experience in emergency management	Experience in emergency management (1) Most Important	Experience in emergency management (2) Important	Experience in emergency management (3) Less Important	Experience in emergency management (4) Least Important	Experience in emergency management (5) Not Sure

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* 6. Superintendent Qualities, Skills and Qualifications

The interpersonal qualities, experiences, and skills an individual possesses can greatly affect their ability to be an effective Superintendent and leader of our District. How important are these beliefs and qualifications to you?

PLEASE RATE THESE QUALITIES/SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

	(1) Most Important	(2) Important	(3) Less Important	(4) Least Important	(5) Not Sure
Believes hearing from students is important	Believes hearing from students is important (1) Most Important	Believes hearing from students is important (2) Important	Believes hearing from students is important (3) Less Important	Believes hearing from students is important (4) Least Important	Believes hearing from students is important (5) Not Sure
Believes that hearing from staff is important	Believes that hearing from staff is important (1) Most Important	Believes that hearing from staff is important (2) Important	Believes that hearing from staff is important (3) Less Important	Believes that hearing from staff is important (4) Least Important	Believes that hearing from staff is important (5) Not Sure
Makes attending student events – such as plays, band performances and athletic games – a priority	Makes attending student events – such as plays, band performances and athletic games – a priority (1) Most Important	Makes attending student events – such as plays, band performances and athletic games – a priority (2) Important	Makes attending student events – such as plays, band performances and athletic games – a priority (3) Less Important	Makes attending student events – such as plays, band performances and athletic games – a priority (4) Least Important	Makes attending student events – such as plays, band performances and athletic games – a priority (5) Not Sure
Has demonstrated commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and families	Has demonstrated commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and families (1) Most Important	Has demonstrated commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and families (2) Important	Has demonstrated commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and families (3) Less Important	Has demonstrated commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and families (4) Least Important	Has demonstrated commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ students and families (5) Not Sure
Has demonstrated commitment to diversity and racial equity training	Has demonstrated commitment to diversity and racial equity training (1) Most Important	Has demonstrated commitment to diversity and racial equity training (2) Important	Has demonstrated commitment to diversity and racial equity training (3) Less Important	Has demonstrated commitment to diversity and racial equity training (4) Least Important	Has demonstrated commitment to diversity and racial equity training (5) Not Sure
Has supported children and adults experiencing poverty	Has supported children and adults experiencing poverty (1) Most Important	Has supported children and adults experiencing poverty (2) Important	Has supported children and adults experiencing poverty (3) Less Important	Has supported children and adults experiencing poverty (4) Least Important	Has supported children and adults experiencing poverty (5) Not Sure
Is committed to learning RSU 71's history	Is committed to learning RSU 71's history (1) Most Important	Is committed to learning RSU 71's history (2) Important	Is committed to learning RSU 71's history (3) Less Important	Is committed to learning RSU 71's history (4) Least Important	Is committed to learning RSU 71's history (5) Not Sure
Is comfortable using social media as a primary communications tool	Is comfortable using social media as a primary communications tool (1) Most Important	Is comfortable using social media as a primary communications tool (2) Important	Is comfortable using social media as a primary communications tool (3) Less Important	Is comfortable using social media as a primary communications tool (4) Least Important	Is comfortable using social media as a primary communications tool (5) Not Sure
Has worked as a Superintendent	Has worked as a Superintendent (1) Most Important	Has worked as a Superintendent (2) Important	Has worked as a Superintendent (3) Less Important	Has worked as a Superintendent (4) Least Important	Has worked as a Superintendent (5) Not Sure
Has worked as an Assistant Superintendent	Has worked as an Assistant Superintendent (1) Most Important	Has worked as an Assistant Superintendent (2) Important	Has worked as an Assistant Superintendent (3) Less Important	Has worked as an Assistant Superintendent (4) Least Important	Has worked as an Assistant Superintendent (5) Not Sure
Has worked as a Principal	Has worked as a Principal (1) Most Important	Has worked as a Principal (2) Important	Has worked as a Principal (3) Less Important	Has worked as a Principal (4) Least Important	Has worked as a Principal (5) Not Sure
Has worked as a Teacher	Has worked as a Teacher (1) Most Important	Has worked as a Teacher (2) Important	Has worked as a Teacher (3) Less Important	Has worked as a Teacher (4) Least Important	Has worked as a Teacher (5) Not Sure
Has worked in a district with a diverse community	Has worked in a district with a diverse community (1) Most Important	Has worked in a district with a diverse community (2) Important	Has worked in a district with a diverse community (3) Less Important	Has worked in a district with a diverse community (4) Least Important	Has worked in a district with a diverse community (5) Not Sure
Has leadership experience in the business sector	Has leadership experience in the business sector (1) Most Important	Has leadership experience in the business sector (2) Important	Has leadership experience in the business sector (3) Less Important	Has leadership experience in the business sector (4) Least Important	Has leadership experience in the business sector (5) Not Sure

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* 7. The following list includes 14 attributes or qualifications viewed as essential for an effective superintendent of schools.

PLEASE CHECK THE SEVEN YOU VIEW AS MOST ESSENTIAL

Communication – Able to communicate clearly with staff, parents, students, and community, both verbally and in writing.

Community Relations – Recognizes the importance of both stimulating and reflecting community needs and wants regarding education. Demonstrates ability to involve the community in developing and implementing goals. View the community/school relationship as a partnership.

Curriculum – Strong commitment to leading the effort to define and deliver an effective, consistent, equitable curriculum K-12.

Ethics – Fulfils all professional duties with honesty and integrity and always acts in a trustworthy and responsible manner. Accepts responsibility and accountability for one’s own actions and behavior.

Leadership – Able to motivate, lead, guide, and direct people. Committed to implementing the Mission and Vision Statement of the school system.

Organizational Management – Uses a systematic approach to managing and improving the schools. Excellent organizational skills, working knowledge of school law, and proven ability to resolve organizational conflicts.

Human Resources – Excellent people skills. Ability to recruit and retain high quality staff. Strong personnel management practices and understanding of collective bargaining issues.

School/Community Involvement – Visible in the schools, aware of current issues and activities in the schools, and shows an interest in community affairs.

School Facility Management – Good understanding of facilities management including development of long-term maintenance plans, and budgeting/planning for future building needs.

School Finance/Budgeting – Strong working knowledge of school finance, including budget development and management. Ability to effectively communicate with the School Board, staff, community, and state and local officials. Clear understanding of federal, state, and local funding issues.

School Improvement – Commitment to supervise and evaluate school programs in the spirit of continuous improvement. Understanding of educational practices, research, and national/state/local initiatives, including Maine’s Learning Results. Ability to frame issues for discussion, reach timely decisions, and implement change.

Staff Development – Committed to and fosters continuous staff improvement. Emphasizes both system wide and individual development.

Superintendent/Board Relations – Understands that the Superintendent is responsible for management of the schools under the Board’s policies and is accountable to the Board. Supports and facilitates the work of the Board. Maintains open communication with the Board.

Supervision/Evaluation – Understands the importance of accountability for staff and self. Uses an evaluation process that establishes clear performance standards and follows through to resolve performance issues.

RSU 71 Superintendent Search

COMMUNITY SURVEY

Question Title

* 1. Are you interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee? If you are not interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee, please skip to Question 3. Please note that if you are selected, you are required to attend a virtual training on October 9^th at 5:30 pm.

Question Title

* 2. If you are interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee, please fill out the contact information below.

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* 3. Your relation to Regional School Unit 71. Please check the group(s) you represent – click all that apply.

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* 4. The priorities of the District are determined jointly by the Board and the Superintendent with input from stakeholders such as administration, teachers, staff, students and parents.

What do you see as the priorities of RSU 71’s next superintendent?

PLEASE RATE THESE PRIORITIES

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* 5. To be successful, a superintendent must have a combination of sufficient knowledge, judgment, and skills.

Rate the competencies you believe are most important for RSU 71 to have in the next superintendent.

PLEASE RATE THESE COMPETENCIES

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* 7. The following list includes 14 attributes or qualifications viewed as essential for an effective superintendent of schools.

PLEASE CHECK THE SEVEN YOU VIEW AS MOST ESSENTIAL

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* 8. What are significant successes of the RSU 71 schools?

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* 9. What significant challenges/issues do the RSU 71 schools face?

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* 10. How do you think the new superintendent can develop meaningful relationships with students, parents, faculty, and administrators?

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* 11. What additional issues do you think are most important for the new superintendent to address?

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* 1. Are you interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee? If you are not interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee, please skip to Question 3. Please note that if you are selected, you are required to attend a virtual training on October 9th at 5:30 pm.

Question Title

* 2. If you are interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee, please fill out the contact information below.

Question Title

* 3. Your relation to Regional School Unit 71. Please check the group(s) you represent – click all that apply.

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* 4. The priorities of the District are determined jointly by the Board and the Superintendent with input from stakeholders such as administration, teachers, staff, students and parents. What do you see as the priorities of RSU 71’s next superintendent?PLEASE RATE THESE PRIORITIES

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* 5. To be successful, a superintendent must have a combination of sufficient knowledge, judgment, and skills.Rate the competencies you believe are most important for RSU 71 to have in the next superintendent.PLEASE RATE THESE COMPETENCIES

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* 7. The following list includes 14 attributes or qualifications viewed as essential for an effective superintendent of schools.PLEASE CHECK THE SEVEN YOU VIEW AS MOST ESSENTIAL

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* 8. What are significant successes of the RSU 71 schools?

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* 9. What significant challenges/issues do the RSU 71 schools face?

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* 10. How do you think the new superintendent can develop meaningful relationships with students, parents, faculty, and administrators?

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* 11. What additional issues do you think are most important for the new superintendent to address?

* 1. Are you interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee? If you are not interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee, please skip to Question 3. Please note that if you are selected, you are required to attend a virtual training on October 9^th at 5:30 pm.

* 4. The priorities of the District are determined jointly by the Board and the Superintendent with input from stakeholders such as administration, teachers, staff, students and parents.

What do you see as the priorities of RSU 71’s next superintendent?

PLEASE RATE THESE PRIORITIES

* 5. To be successful, a superintendent must have a combination of sufficient knowledge, judgment, and skills.

Rate the competencies you believe are most important for RSU 71 to have in the next superintendent.

PLEASE RATE THESE COMPETENCIES

* 7. The following list includes 14 attributes or qualifications viewed as essential for an effective superintendent of schools.

PLEASE CHECK THE SEVEN YOU VIEW AS MOST ESSENTIAL