Update on WCHS Principal Search - West Clermont Local Schools

WEST CLERMONT LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 4350 Aicholtz Road, Suite 220 Cincinnati, OH 45245 (513) 943-5000 www.westcler.org

Dr. Keith Kline – Superintendent Mrs. Alana Cropper, CPA - Treasurer

March 3, 2017

West Clermont High School Staff and Parents, On behalf of the Board of Education, I wanted to inform you that we are getting close to naming the first Principal of West Clermont High School. After an extensive process, led by the Hamilton County Educational Service Center (HCESC), we are now down to two finalists. This process was conducted in five phases: Stakeholder Input, Applicant Screening, Committee Interviews, Cabinet Interviews, and a final round interview with the Superintendent and Treasurer. From the start, the Board and I have had two goals. First, to identify a leader who can raise the bar on academic performance, successfully bring our high schools together, and set a strong vision for the future. Second, we have focused on making the process as transparent and balanced as possible. As such, I would like to share the following information. Stakeholder Input Last fall, the district administrative team sought input on the characteristics our stakeholders wanted to see in the first leader of West Clermont High School. Included in that process were the voices of teachers, students, parents and the Board of Education. Given the complexity of this position, this information was helpful as we considered all components of what it would take to be successful as the leader of our new high school. Applicant Screening The HCESC received 32 applications for the WCHS Principal position. That included local individuals as well as candidates from several other states. Bill Sears of HCESC and I paper screened all applicants and narrowed the field to eight candidates who were called in for first round interviews. Round One – Committee Interviews First round interviews took place in mid-February. The interview committee consisted of 3 teachers, 1 parent, and 1 student from each of our current high schools. The team also included a teacher who works at both schools and an elementary parent. This committee was chaired by Mr. Sears. Out of the first round of interviews, 5 candidates were advanced to the next round. Round Two – Cabinet Interviews Second round interviews took place on Monday, February 27, 2017. Candidates were asked to prepare a document that reviewed their current school’s academic data and share their vision to make sure all students in the Class of 2018 qualify for Graduation. This round was facilitated by Gary Gardella from the HCESC and included 4 members of the District Office Executive Team and one Building Principal. Members of the second round committee recommended our two finalists to me for the third, and final, round. Third and Final Round of Interviews Alana Cropper (West Clermont Treasurer) and I will conduct final interviews this coming week. As part of the third round, each candidate has been asked to prepare a presentation on their priorities for their first six months as the Principal of WCHS in addition to answering a series of questions.

After an extensive search, including two rounds of interviews involving a wide range of stakeholders, the Board is confident we have the two finalists who most clearly meet the goals set forth at the start of the process. Those finalists are (in alphabetical order): Jeff Damadeo – Interim Principal, Glen Este High School Randy Gebhardt – Principal, Waynesville High School I expect to make my final recommendation to the Board of Education at their March 13, 2017 regular meeting. I hope this information provides insight on how our decisions have been made and want to thank everyone for their time, effort, and input into this process. Because of the steps we have taken, both the Board and I are confident we will have identified the best candidate to fill the role of Principal at our new “Home of the Wolves”.

Yours in Education,

Dr. Keith Kline - Superintendent West Clermont Local Schools