HIT: What do I ask the superintendent? Part II

[jmoskowitz <jmoskowi@IWORKSYS.COM>]

What is the budget? How many Students? Do I have an aid? Flexible or
fixed schedule?


How about asking if they remember their favorite books as a child (young
adult?...you don't say what level!) or what they are reading now. Maybe get
them reminiscing. I would stay away from comments like, "Oh, my grandfather
loved that book!" :-)

Find out how committed they are to reading and the importance of what you
are going to be doing. Find out if they are connected and whether they
might be interested in something like we have on LM-net(although I'm not
convinced any group is as good as this one!).


What is the district plan for infusion of technology into all of the
classrooms (if not done already)?

How about something about the selection policies for library/texts?

Dazzle him with your own knowledge of Information Power - better yet, spend
$9 and give him his own copy for the district.


I would ask questions about the following to a superintendent:
1. What is the projected enrollment in the district in two, five and
ten years?
2. How does she see that enrollment affecting your program and budget?
3. What direction does the district appear to be going with
technology?
(If you haven't seen a technology plan for that district, ask for a
copy.)
4. What are the major concerns of parents in the district that are
raised to the superintendent's level? (Are they safety--Littleton, CO, etc.,
censorship perhaps?--you need to know these things if books are being
challenged in the curriculum or in the library.
5. What type of public relations does the district do on a regular
basis? Newsletter, etc. Could you have a copy of the most recent releases?
The biggest thing to remember is what the superintendent's
perspective is about. They look at the district very globally. Demographics
and budget passing are huge parts of their jobs. Try to figure out what they
are the most concerned about and ask them about that as it relates to your
position within the district.
Every time I spoke with our superintendent this year--and I mean
every time--he talked about the bubble of increased population coming in two
years. He was absolutely consumed with this as it meant creating more space
in both junior highs, getting modular classrooms etc. So I made sure to ask
him about his concerns and his vision. These are the problems he is
wrestling
with and therefore, I am going to speak with him about them.
I trust this will help you. Envision the meeting before hand. Plan
your attire carefully--professional look--and see yourself having a
wonderful
meeting where you conduct questions and respond accordingly. Smile and have
that inner glow which says I am confident in myself without being boastful
or
arrogant

Following are some questions that another, more experienced media
specialist said to expect in an interview and, at the bottom, some questions
for you to ask the interviewer.

Can we check your references? Why did you select these particular
people as references?
Can you give an example of something in your past job that didn't
work out so well?
Can you take instructions without feeling upset or hurt?
Can you work under pressure?
Define cooperation.
Describe a difficult problem you have had to deal with.
Describe a situation where your work was criticized.
Do you consider yourself a natural leader or a born follower?
Tell me about your degrees.
Do you make your opinions known when you disagree with the views of
supervisors?
Do you pay attention to detail?
Do you prefer working alone or with others?
Do you think people in your profession should be paid more? If so,
why?
Explain your role as a group or team member.
Have you done the best work you are capable of doing?
Have you had difficulties getting along with others?
How do you handle stress and tension?

Here are some questions to ask the interviewer...

What is the greatest challenge a person moving into this position is
likely to face in her first year?
Why was the job created? or How did this job come to be open?
Ideally, how would you like to see this department grow and evolve
over time?
Of all the responsibilities I would have on this job, which is the
most critical?
If I were hired, where would you want me to focus my efforts during
the first few weeks?
How much autonomy would I have in this position?


I assume your not meaning benefits type question. Ask about where HE(SHE)
think Education is heading and what role He(SHE) see the media specialist
job being in going this direction

Here are some things I would like to know about a school:
How are faculty/administration relationships? Do each have respect for one
another and work well together or are they at each other's throats?
Has bargaining been smooth in the past or have they gone to fact-finding,
arbitration or the courts to settle contracts?
What is the Supt's vision for the district. Where are we headed? What
Goals have been set and what has been done to start that process?
What long range planning is being done and how will it affect the media
program?
Is time allowed for planning? How much control will you have over your
budget?
How is your budget figured?
Did your predecessor spend (or obligate) all of your funds for the coming
year?
How are Teachers & Media Specialists evaluated?

After spending the last two summers interviewing I can relate to your
current stress. I agree that asking the super. About the role of a
librarian is important. It is also important to ask about the role of
the media center. I accepted my current job based on how the
superintendent answered this question, he essentially said the media
center should be the center of the school. I also asked about the role
of technology in my building and the district. Other questions to
consider: How do the district librarians communicate? How do the
librarians and teachers collaborate? Some super. expect you to ask only
one question and some would like to have a dialog with you. Be prepared
for both. Your questions can show the super. that you are prepared but
also allow you to gain valuable insight into the position. Remember you
are shopping for a job as much as they are shopping for the right
librarian, it should be a good match for both. Be confident and good
luck!

Ask what a technology rich library would look like and what the students in
a technology rich library would be doing?
What is the role of library/media specialist in a technology rich school?


First of all, most superintendents know very little about the role of an LMS
in the school library. Superintendents do know a lot about learning in
general, administration, budgets, and organization. They are concerned about
long-range implications on the education of students in their district,
about policies, state guidelines, and test scores. Some know a lot about
technology, but all are aware of its implications.

Ask questions to let them know you're also concerned about the same
interests, or ask questions about the policies you'll have to enforce
(Internet policies and accessibility, book challenges, if you're going to a
high school ask about CAPT results and the school's most recent
accreditation results). They really don't care what cataloging or ILL
system is used, but some are very concerned that the school library meets
state standards (and some don't know about the standards).

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