Kendall community urged to take active part in picking next district superintendent
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jo Anne Antonacci, district superintendent for Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, goes over the process she will be using to pick Kendall’s next district superintendent. Julie Christensen, right, is retiring on Dec. 31 after more than 14 years of leading the school district.
KENDALL – The Kendall community is being asked to take in an active role in helping to select the district’s next superintendent of schools. Residents can participate by filling out a survey that is available now and then attending forums with the finalists in October.
Julie Christensen is retiring Dec. 31 after 14 years of leading the district. Kendall is working with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES 2 District Superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci in the search process for the next district leader.
A survey has been mailed to district residents and also is available online to assist the search committee. Click here to see the survey.
“It is very important for the Kendall Board of Education to hear from the community,” Antonacci said during Wednesday’s BOE meeting. “Send back your surveys.”
Candidates for the job have until Sept. 17 to submit an application. Antonacci said the position will be advertised locally, regionally and state-wide, and also through the network of 37 BOCES superintendents.
She thinks the small-school atmosphere along Lake Ontario will appeal to candidates. In a brochure describing the district for prospective candidates, Kendall is highlighted for a 100 percent high school graduation rate. The district is featured by “U.S. News and World Report” as among the top seven percent of best schools in the nation.
Kendall also has a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Agriculture and Math (STEAM) program that provides students with first-hand experiences with STEAM-related occupations at local companies. The brochure also notes that many Kendall students take college classes through GCC as well as options for Advanced Placement courses.
The district operates on a $20 million budget and has 84 certified staff and 68 other support staff. The median teacher has 10 ½ years experience and the median teacher salary is $55,844.
The brochure also notes a district enrollment of 775 students, a tax rate of $14.98 per $1,000 of assessed property and a per pupil cost of $25,782.
“Kendall Schools takes great pride in the fact that it is a small school district and can provide students with the individualized attention to help them meet their full potential,” the brochure states.
The brochure also notes all Kendall students from kindergarten to grade 12 have access to 1:1 computer devices and interactive boards have been installed in all classrooms.
“The district is using technology to help students advance their learning and prepare for future careers,” according to the brochure.
Kendall in its next superintendent is looking for an educator “who is a strong advocate for increasing levels of achievement and citizenship for all learners.”
The district wants a superintendent with effective communication skills to engage all stakeholders, classroom and/or building-level experience, a solid background in curriculum development and improving instruction experience with human resources, finance, and facilities management.
The district also states in its brochure for prospective applicants that the ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to equity for all, will support a well-rounded educational program inclusive of the arts and extracurricular activities, will champion district accomplishments and promote growth and innovation. The ideal candidate also will invest in developing strong relationships with the Board of Education and the Kendall community.
Meet the finalist forums have been scheduled for Oct. 21, 27 and 28. The goal is to have the next superintendent start on Jan. 1, 2022.
