Principles in Practice: A Democratic, Transparent, and Innovative Approach to Leadership Selection in the Mesa Public School Board 

Selecting a superintendent is one of the most impactful decisions a school board makes, shaping the education and community development trajectory. A superintendent is a leader who embodies the district’s values and vision, serving as a bridge between schools and the broader community. Engaging the public in hiring a new superintendent is one way to generate civic participation and foster trust in a school board. 

Mesa Public School Board recently collaborated with the Center for Democracy Innovation during the AAA-ICDR Foundation granted Better Public Meetings Project. Mesa wanted to utilize transparency, inclusivity, participation, and civility values during the hiring process of its newest superintendent.  

Initially, the announcement of the goal to hire a new superintendent by the end of December 2024—a timeline aligned with the semester’s conclusion—was met with considerable resistance. However, to reflect the needs of their diverse community, the school board began with a comprehensive survey asking about desired qualities in a superintendent. Responses from 4,100 parents, staff, and students served as the foundation for subsequent steps. 

After the initial survey, focus groups with staff, community organizations, and stakeholders took place. Stakeholder groups representing the Parent Council and Student Advisory Board developed questions which were posed to candidates during Zoom interviews. This approach ensured a wide representation of voices in the decision-making process. 

Engagement extended beyond these structured settings, as candidates joined students for informal dinners, creating unique opportunities for personal interaction. Students shared insightful feedback, reflecting on these experiences. Additionally, a vice president from Arizona State University conducted live-streamed interviews with each candidate, asking the same set of questions. This real-time, transparent format provided the community with an opportunity to evaluate the candidates directly. 

The impact of this approach extended far beyond selecting a superintendent. Extensive written feedback and reflections submitted by stakeholders highlighted the excitement and gratitude for being included in such a thoughtful process. The community input led to a clear and shared consensus, leading into the final stages of the selection process. 

Overall, the process’s benefits included:  

  • Inclusivity: Parents, staff, students, and community members contributed their perspectives. 
  • Transparency: Every activity was visible and well-communicated, from surveys to live-streamed interviews. 
  • Participation: Thousands of voices were heard, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration. 
  • Civility: Respectful dialogue and constructive engagement remained paramount. 

Marcie Hutchinson, a Governing Board Member for Mesa Public Schools, had this to say about the process, “By prioritizing inclusivity, transparency, and participation, we didn’t just achieve our goal of selecting a superintendent—we strengthened trust, collaboration, and unity within our community. This initiative demonstrates that by living our values, we can navigate challenges and build a brighter future together.” 

Ultimately, the Mesa Public School Board’s recent superintendent selection process demonstrates the potential for community engagement, identifying a capable leader while setting a benchmark for empowering the community to actively shape its future. 

Some Related Posts

View All

Thank You to Our Key Partners