Former CMS board chair shares advice for next superintendent search

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board will search for its fifth superintendent in 15 years. Before the process begins, WBTV spoke with a former school board member who has been through a superintendent search.

Mary McCray said the hardest assignment for a school board is finding the right superintendent. McCray served two terms on the board and was board chair for most of that time. She was elected to the board in 2011.

Past searches and recent vote

McCray went through two superintendent searches. They were for Heath Morrison and Clayton Wilcox. Both resigned abruptly.

In September, the current board voted 5-4 to terminate Superintendent Crystal Hill.

McCray’s advice for the board

McCray advised board members to take their time and to shop around for partners to help find the next leader.

“Get a reputable search firm that does not have any particular candidate or sitting superintendent already in their pocket, because there are the ones that they will push on you,” McCray said.

McCray also advised board members to listen closely to the community, so they have a feel for what people want to see in the next top educator.

McCray said that because of AI, board members should pay attention during interviews to make sure candidates not only look good on paper but are good in reality. She said board members must be able to tell a truthful narrative from a false one. She said board members will have to do their due diligence in their reading, talk among themselves, listen to candidates, and form their questions.

Whether a superintendent can stay

WBTV asked McCray whether, given the district’s record of departing superintendents and drama, is there someone who can stick it out. She said that is questionable.

“There may be one who is brave enough - who feels like they got the right stuff to fit into Charlotte Mecklenburg, but you also have to be wary of those persons who are just looking for a job,” McCray said.

What the district needs

CMS serves students and families who live in urban, suburban and rural areas. The next leader will have to know how to respond to all of their needs to keep academic achievement going.

The last CMS superintendent search was about three years ago, and the community was heavily involved. In 2023, the community said it wanted a leader who was innovative, communicative, passionate, involved and mindful.

The next CMS superintendent search committee meeting is Nov. 16.