The Analysis of a Job Description

From the Wisconsin State Journal 11/11/07:

Superintendent – LAKELAND UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT POSITION AVAILABLE
The Lakeland Union High School District has a vacancy for a Superintendent beginning July 1, 2008. This is a full time 12 month position. Candidates must hold, or be eligible for, a Wisconsin District Administrator License. The successful candidate will have demonstrated collaborative leadership skills in current and former administrative positions; have a track record of research-based decision making; have a high level of integrity; and the vision to take a successful school district to the next level. Prior administrative experience is desired. An application packet is available from the district by contacting Mr. Michael Dailey, District Administrator at 715-358-8480. Materials should be received by Nov. 30, 2007. More information is located on the "Employment in Wisconsin" website at www.Wisconsin.gov

Analysis:
When does it start? Nearly eight months from now.
Is it a full-time position? Yes. It’s a full time 12 month position.
Licensure? Yes. Candidates must hold, or be eligible to hold, a WI District Administrator license.
Prior administrative experience? Desired.

I know someone who may be qualified! Let’s analyze it further…

What is this district looking for?
A candidate that has demonstrated collaborative leadership skills in current and former administrative positions. Ooooh. Strike one. The so far qualified candidate I’m thinking of is an arrogant autocrat. You can’t tell autocrats anything. Autocrats may hear, but can’t listen worth a hill of beans. Autocrats know it all and are about as far from collaborative as one can get. Who would want to collaborate with an arrogant autocrat anyway? Leadership skills for this so far qualified candidate have not been demonstrated. In fact, the “skills” they have demonstrated were not leadership skills and were not conducive to collaboration.

Have a high level of integrity. Integrity – noun: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Ooooh. Strike two for the person I’m thinking of. They want to win at all costs. The outcome supposedly justifies their means.

A vision to take a successful school district to the next level. The WI licensed candidate I’m thinking of was advertised as being a visionary. Thus far, their visions have wreaked havoc on a community as a whole, dividing it. I don’t see this as a positive – Strike three.

Best of luck to Lakeland. I hope they find someone better than who I’m thinking of.