There are two sides of the coin when you are preparing for a search. First, you need to be sure the school is a good fit for you. Next, you need to be sure you know enough to make a good impression while being interviewed. You also need to know enough about the school to ask the right questions.
You, the candidate:
- Do the mission, vision and core values align with your philosophy of education? Are the opportunities and challenges enticing to you?
- Does the strategic plan and recent accreditation report give you a sense for the needs and future of the school?
- Can you lead a school with the financial status shown in the annual audit, annual report and annual budget?
- Does information available to you about the tenure of the current and previous heads elicit any questions or concerns?
- What have you learned about the current administrative team and faculty?
- What have you learned about the board’s adherence to the Principles of Good Practice?
- Is the school in any significant legal conflicts?
- Have you compared the cost of living in your current community with COL where the school is located?
- Have you—considering your family—determined what the school must have in order for you to make the move?
- What questions emerge for you as you view the website? Can you find recent news about the school?
- Have you checked with people from the area to learn about how the school is perceived in the community?
The School and Search Consultants:
- Have the search consultants and school provided you with information you have requested? Are the consultants transparent with you?
- Will you be able to meet a variety of constituents in an effort to see if the community is aligned? Are the consultants and school organized with a timeline for the search?
- At what point in the search will the school and consultants want to speak to current trustees or the head at your current school?
- Are you able to get clear answers about the school’s expectations for the new head of school?
- Is a compensation package available?
Being prepared strengthens your candidacy and ensures that you are making a sound decision.
