Last Chance: Your Input on New SLHS Principal

Have a vision for the kind of leader Fairfax County Public Schools Friday is your last day to tell the school system your thoughts.

FCPS Cluster 8 Superintendent Fabio Zuluaga and administrative employment specialist Beth Boivin spoke to South Lakes parents Wednesday to outline the hiring process and remind parents how to speak up before Friday's deadline.

"We have a great process in place," Zuluaga said, "We want you to think about what kind of a school do you want to have in five to 10 years. This school is the pillar of the community. Make sure you think about what you want. Our goal is to take the most talented and experienced leader who is the best match for the school."

Here is what you need to know:

* The job posting has already closed. The average pool of candidates will be narrowed down to 25-35. Later in the process, it will be cut to 5-8.

* Parent input is necessary because the interview questions will be formulated from them. Send your thoughts to Beth.Boivin@fcps.edu. Things to think about: Leadership skills needed; administrative experience preferred; leadership characteristics desired; school issues to be addressed; challenges to be met.

FCPS would like to hear from not only parents of current South Lakes students, but parents of future South Lakes students as well. So if you have an elementary or middle school student, feel free to send your thoughts.

* A panel made up of three SLHS parents, three teachers, a student, and two FCPS administrators will convene. Want to sit on the panel?  

* Principal candidates will do an timed (30 minute) emailed writing prompt. They will then be interviewed by the panel (30-minute, 10-questions)

* Finalists will have a two-hour interview with FCPS reps, then the top candidate moves on to an interview with Superintendent Jack Dale. After that, the name goes to the school board, where members have a 48-hour comment period. 

* Zuluaga sees the process completed sometime in July.