Kenston BOE Sets Focus Groups for Superintendent Search

May 2, 2022 by Staff Report

Kenston Schools Board of Education has contracted with the Ohio School Boards Association to assist in its search for a new superintendent.

The board hopes to complete the search in late spring and the new superintendent is expected to begin work in the district this summer. The successful candidate will replace current Supt. Nancy R. Santilli to begin the 2022-23 school year. Santilli has served the district since 2014.

“In our effort to make the best possible selection, we have included a time in the search process for OSBA consultant, William Waidelich, to meet with staff and the community in several focus groups,” board President Neysa Gaskins said in an April 29 press release.

“The focus groups are intended to help augment the profile we have developed for Kenston’s next leader,” she added. “Common themes will help as we evaluate potential candidates for interview.”

These conversations will take place May 11 at Timmons Elementary School – each designated for a targeted audience – and will focus on three areas:

1. Major issues, challenges or opportunities for the district;
2. Performance experience or expectation for the next superintendent; and
3. Leadership characteristics that should be evident in the next superintendent.

“Our students, parents, residents and staff are valued participant and stakeholder in the Kenston school community and their input is important,” Gaskins said. “Please consider attending a focus group at Timmons Elementary School.”

The sessions will last approximately one hour. The times for our different focus groups are:

• 4:30 p.m. – Open to any Kenston Schools employees
• 6 p.m. – Open to Kenston Schools community and business members
• 7 p.m. – Open to Kenston Schools parents

“We welcome additional feedback and have created a brief, three question survey to collect input from parents and interested community members,” said Gaskins. “If you are not able to attend one of the focus groups, please take a moment to share your feedback.”

Those wishing to share their thoughts are asked to complete the survey at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KenstonSearch.  Respondents’ feedback will go directly to William Waidelich, from the OSBA.