MIAMI, Okla. (Sept. 19, 2024) – The Miami Board of Education is inviting community input as the search for the next superintendent of Miami Public Schools begins. In collaboration with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), the board is launching a community survey and has hosted focus groups to gather insights on the type of school leader who aligns with the community’s and district’s goals, mission, and ideals.
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Miami Board of Education and OSSBA held several focus groups at the Miami High School Lecture Hall, located at 2000 E. Central Ave. These face-to-face discussions allowed attendees to meet with OSSBA representatives and share their thoughts on the qualities, characteristics, and experiences they consider important in a superintendent.
“The board’s top priority as we begin this search is to listen to our stakeholders, ensuring we select an education professional who embodies the Wardog Way,” said Miami Board of Education President Charles McKibben. “Choosing a superintendent who understands our values is one of the most critical roles we have as elected board members. The focus groups provided a valuable opportunity for OSSBA to guide us through the process and gather community input.”
In addition to the focus groups, community members, parents, district staff, and students are encouraged to participate in a brief online survey. The survey, available on the district’s website at miamiwardogs.com, will be open from Thursday, Sept. 19, through Friday, Oct. 4.
“For those unable to attend the focus groups, we hope you will take 15 minutes to complete the survey,” McKibben added. “It’s essential for us to hear from everyone—community members, staff, parents, and students—as we begin this important search.”
The board will begin accepting applications for the superintendent position on Thursday, Oct. 10. Applications can be submitted at ossba.org/miami and will be accepted until Nov. 15.
OSSBA has extensive experience in facilitating superintendent searches across Oklahoma and has collaborated with school board associations nationwide to ensure a competitive candidate pool. The organization has assisted districts of various sizes, including Newcastle, Vinita, and Oklahoma City, in their superintendent searches. OSSBA provides districts with services such as advertising openings, recruiting potential candidates, offering an online application management system, and supporting the search process from start to finish.
For further information, please contact the Miami Board of Education or visit miamiwardogs.com/superintendent