HIT: What do I ask the superintendent? Part I

[jmoskowitz <jmoskowi@IWORKSYS.COM>]

I’d like to thank the many people that responded to me. I really felt
prepared when I went in to speak to the superintendent. I was one of two
final candidates for this position and while I would love to report that I
got the job, unfortunately for me, they chose the candidate with more
experience. However, I ‘m now prepared for the next time. I am posting this
hit for all of us who are currently or will be seeking a new job. I received
many replies so I will post this hit in multiple parts.

Bone up a bit on Info Power, and ask about that; how the supt feels about
info literacy.

Ask about district plans for technology; ask about technical support in
the district.


You might want to know what the supt. thinks about the mix of print and
electronic sources for finding information. I would hope that print
still plays its part in the picture, but it often does not these days.

You might want to know the attitude toward use of technology in
curriculum; specifically, is the emphasis on learning or on the product?
So much time is wasted doing the packaging and so little attention is
given to the content vs that packaging.

You might want to know if the supt. expects principals to evaluate
classroom teachers on their use of and collaboration with the LMC
*program.* Unless the principals do this kind of evaluation and mean it,
you will find yourself in a situation where you have no authority and can
only "offer" your services. That does not ususally create a first rate
program. It takes the principal's determination that there will be a high
usage level made by the teachers. Of course, that means that the LMS is
sharp when it comes to curricular design as well as collaboratgions also.

And, of course, scrap these ideas if you figure that asking such questions
would turn you into a threat. It easily could.


Just be yourself with the superintendent ... he just wants to verify
what the principal and the other selection folks have been telling him -
as well as let you see the "boss" face to face...

Ask questions about library stuff... how does she see school libraries?
Good things? Costing too much money with no real qualitative returns?
Should the library be the hub of the school or an extension of the
classroom? Try to get a notion of what the super thinks of libraries
and librarians in general ... don't get too specific, you're not
interviewing the super, but you do want her to know that you have
thought about the job and how the administration affects what happens at
the lower end...


If you're really brave and the superintendent is really into libraries, ask
to go over the budget. You should have a total budget for supplies,
materials, and equipment of 1% of the instructional budget for your library
budget. In other words, for every $1.00 spent on instruction at your school,
you should get a penny to create a vibrant library for the school--students
and teachers. Your new superintendent (every superintendent) knows what the
school spends per kid on instruction. Take 1% of that number and multiply by
the kids you'll be teaching and providing services for, and that should be
your budget for supplies, materials, and equipment.
Also ask your superintendent her opinion of Accelerated Reader and/or
Reading Counts and your chances of getting one of those for reading
promotion.
Ask your superintendent whether she is a "hold on to every title to make a
full library" or an enlightened administrator that realizes you have to weed
to make the collection attractive and current.


I have just been interviewing principal canditates and two
questions that were asked of us follow:

Are there any situations I should be aware of at the school?

Is there a mentor program program for new librarians?



I would guess that you want to have a question or two that show you have a
grasp of
the "big picture," system-wide. System size? Growth projections? Community
Demographics? Technology plan? The you will want to have one or two about
the role of the LMS's in the system. One in every school? Only the high
school? Committee membership? Career advancement? Finally this is where you
get to talk MONEY. Will the town pay for any of you professional
memberships? How many out of school professional days are you allowed? Who
pays for your sub? Will they reimburse you for tuition for job related
courses?


You might want to ask questions about the types of relationships the
teachers have had with the previous librarian / or with the library. Ask if
there is a specific school-wide curriculum which is being implemented that
you might need to know about such as primary resources being used rather
than textbooks--this was used in one school that I interviewed for--makes a
big difference in purchasing for the library. What about reading incentive
programs such as Accelerated Reader? What is being used to encourage
children to participate in reading, library activities, etc.?
One biggie would be to ask if the Information Power standards are being
used and if not (and you can introduce them--this year or next) could you
introduce them to the teachers and staff? ---You can get a Power Point
slide presentation online, let me know if you'd like the URL.
You would want to know what the library's budget includes? How much is
included each year for specific items such as Internet, software, computer
hardware, etc. Ask if you have any library assistants or student aides to
assist you during the day.
You would want to know if you could write library grants--it makes you
appear to be aggressive in the area of obtaining materials without always
asking for handouts from the school--plus it allows you to network with
others outside of the school for future contact.
If you can stay inside of the boundaries of what is now being done, how
can we improve it, where do I fit in with the teaching staff--and among the
teachers, students, administration--, and where are we going, I'm sure
you'll do fine.
I'd certainly ask about programs and what extra work you might be asked
to perform outside of the library--I do cheerleading (rah! rah! --my husband
is the coach!) and I coordinate textbooks-- (because librarians know about
books!).


Would ask his/her opinion of flexible scheduling, what he/she sees as the
primary role of the media specialist, and what changes he/she anticipates
for your profession in the future. That would give you a good handle on the
district's attitude toward media folks.





I just helped interview for Library Media Teacher at the 'the other high
school' in our district last week.

I asked the candidates about how they would handle collection development
in the school.

You may want to turn the tables a little - it would be helpful to you to
know if there is a district-wide materials selection policy, weeding policy
and a policy about materials that patrons (mostly parents) think should be
removed from the shelves. Helps you out if any questions arise!

The other 'biggy' here in our district is evaluation. For a long time we
were evaluated using the classroom teacher form - nothing fit, or was the
same for what we were doing. Finally, last year, a separate form has been
adopted for the Library Media Teachers (Special Ed did the same thing!).
What about job description? Is there a formal one written up? What other
duties are you expected to fulfill (like high school where we have to
chaperone dances and help at sporting events, etc.) besides your classroom
responsibilities?

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