The people now have the opportunity to share their thoughts on what they hope to see in a superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Hillsborough County’s school district oversees billions of dollars spread across approximately 250 schools. Superintendent Jeff Eakins is expected to retire at the end of this school year and the district is inviting residents to complete a short survey to identify what the community’s top priorities in a candidate are.
More than 200,000 students go to school five days a week in Hillsborough County. The hundreds of thousands of parents of those students often feel left out of their children’s educational process, as evidenced by the many complaints lodged toward the school board and spread on social media each school year. Now it seems they have a chance to be heard.
The district and Ray and Associates, its search firm, have created a survey to narrow down the qualities people hope to see in the next superintendent. What’s more important, a doctoral degree or a focus on the area’s cultural diversity? Do you want a proven leader or someone who has new ideas? Is a trustworthy nature the most important thing to you or do you value someone who values and promotes positive student behavior and a safe learning environment more?
There are 33 qualities listed on the survey and responders are asked to only select 10. The survey will be available until 8 a.m. on Sept. 22.
Eakins has spent 31 years in the district and has played a heavy role in shaping the current trajectory of our educational system. The new superintendent will have a massive responsibility on their shoulders as the county has a variety of budget issues, staffing issues and an ever increasing number of enrolled students.
Those interested in taking the survey should head to the school district website at sdhc.k12.fl.us/ and look for the section marked “Superintendent Search.” The survey is available in a variety of languages and Ray and Associates will also host four public meetings to gauge the community’s opinions as well. Each meeting is at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Jefferson and Bloomingdale high schools on Sept. 17, Gaither High School on Sept. 18, and Middleton High School on Sept. 19.