Bulletin Board

November 2: The Superintendent Search Community Survey went live today, November 2, and closes November 24. We need your input!

November 12: Coffee & Conversations: Focus on AI in Education, EHS Cafeteria, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

November 19: Two Superintendent Search Community Forums. Virtual (9:00–10:00 a.m.) and In-Person (7:00–8:00 p.m.) More details to follow.

Hello Edgemont Community!

As we settle into the new school year, the Board of Education is focused on several important priorities that will help shape Edgemont’s future. At the top of that list is selecting our next Superintendent of Schools, a decision that will have a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community. We are also continuing to strengthen our governance practices, support effective teaching and learning, and create more meaningful opportunities for two-way communication with the community.

The selection of our next Superintendent of Schools is the Board’s most significant priority this year. We recognize the importance of this decision and are committed to a thoughtful, thorough process that identifies the right leader for Edgemont’s future. Please visit the Superintendent Search page on the Edgemont website to see updates throughout the process.

Where we are today

After reviewing proposals from several executive search firms, narrowing the field, and interviewing finalists, the Board has officially selected Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to partner with us in finding our next superintendent.

HYA is a national organization that brings a vast network of experienced and excellent educators, key relationships, and experience in superintendent searches. They will provide a structured approach to gathering community input, identifying district priorities, recruiting high-quality candidates, and supporting the Board through the selection and onboarding process.

What comes next?

The search will proceed through several broad phases, with the timeline and specific steps finalized in partnership with HYA.

1. Engage: Listen to Our Community

The process begins with understanding Edgemont - our strengths, our challenges, and our aspirations for the future. HYA is working with the Board to develop a community engagement plan and gather input from stakeholders.

HYA’s approach includes an online community survey which will go live on November 2nd and close on November 24, virtual and in-person focus groups and forums. The intention of these exercises is to hear from a broad range of voices, including families, students, staff, and community members.

The feedback will inform a Leadership Profile Report identifying the district’s priorities and the qualities, skills, and experience we are seeking in our next superintendent. This profile will help guide recruitment and candidate selection.

2. Recruit: Identify Qualified Candidates

Using the leadership profile as a guide, HYA will develop the position description, advertise the opportunity, and actively recruit candidates through its professional networks. The goal is to develop a strong and diverse pool of qualified leaders whose experience and approach align with Edgemont’s needs.

3. Select: Evaluate and Appoint Our Next Superintendent

HYA will support the Board in reviewing candidates, conducting interviews, completing appropriate reference and background checks, and evaluating finalists. The Board will carefully consider the candidates’ qualifications and alignment with the district’s priorities before making the final decision and appointment.

4. Transition: Support a Successful Start

Following the appointment, transition support will help the new superintendent build an understanding of the district, establish priorities, and lay the foundation for long-term success.

How will the community be involved?

Community input will help shape the leadership profile that guides recruitment and candidate evaluation. We want to understand what our community values about Edgemont, where it sees opportunities for growth, and what qualities it believes our next superintendent should bring to the role.

We will share opportunities to participate and provide updates at key points in the process, while maintaining the confidentiality needed to attract a strong pool of candidates. The Board retains responsibility for the final appointment, which we will approach thoughtfully and with a focus on the long-term success of Edgemont’s students.

The Board of Education serves as the community’s elected body responsible for setting the district’s direction, establishing policies, approving the budget, and overseeing the district’s performance. We work in partnership with the Superintendent, who is responsible for managing day-to-day district operations, leading the district toward a shared vision, and implementing the Board’s policies and priorities.

The Board’s role is to ask thoughtful questions, work with district administrators to evaluate meaningful data, monitor progress toward our goals, and oversee the district’s current and long-term financial health. Through this work, we help establish clear expectations and ensure that district decisions align with our educational priorities and the long-term interests of our students and community.

Just as importantly, effective governance requires listening. Community perspectives help us understand what matters most to Edgemont families and residents, identify areas for improvement, and evaluate how well our decisions are serving the district.

How can you engage with the Board?

Attend a Board meeting. Board meetings are public, and community members have opportunities to address the Board during designated public comment periods. Meetings are also livestreamed and archived on the district’s YouTube channel.

Join us for Coffee & Conversations. These informal gatherings provide an opportunity to discuss important topics directly with Board members, hear different perspectives, and share your questions and ideas. Our first session of the school year is coming up on November 12, 7:00–8:30 p.m. at Edgemont High School's newly renovated cafeteria.

Reach out to us directly. Email boe@edgemont.org to communicate with all Board members. Your input matters, and we are committed to strengthening the ways community feedback informs our work.

We recognize that trust is built through consistent communication, transparency, and follow-through. We will continue sharing updates on our priorities and work while creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue.

Each year, the Board adopts goals to focus our work and provide a framework for evaluating progress. Our five goals for 2026-27 reflect our commitment to strong leadership, effective governance, and student success.

1. Hire the Right Superintendent for Edgemont

Our top priority is selecting a superintendent whose leadership, instructional expertise, values, and vision align with Edgemont’s educational priorities, community expectations, and long-term needs. We are committed to a rigorous, transparent, and inclusive process to identify the best leader for our district.

2. Strengthen Oversight of the Teacher Tenure Process

We will strengthen our oversight of tenure recommendations to ensure that decisions are rigorous, fair, transparent, and evidence-based. This includes a consistent focus on instructional effectiveness, professional responsibility and growth, impact on student learning, and alignment with district priorities.

3. Modernize Policies and Ensure Compliance

We will work to bring district policies into full legal and regulatory compliance while modernizing the policy manual to reflect current, research-backed practices and alignment with district goals.

4. Improve Communication and Community Engagement

We will continue building a cohesive, districtwide communication and engagement strategy that strengthens two-way communication, provides timely and accessible information, and demonstrates how community feedback informs Board and district decisions.

5. Strengthen Oversight of Student Achievement

We will identify a focused set of meaningful benchmarks and evaluation tools to regularly monitor student learning, well-being, district performance, and progress toward our long-term strategic goals.

These goals are interconnected. Together, they establish a framework for responsible governance, continuous improvement, and keeping student success at the center of our decisions. We will share updates on our progress throughout the year.

As you can see, there’s much to look forward to this school year, and we're excited to share the journey with you. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Edgemont. We look forward to seeing you on November 12 for Coffee & Conversations!

Your Edgemont Board of Education

Grace Lin (President), Ami Patel Song (Vice President), Heather Stern, Josefine Teneback Cays, Elyse Paidas, and Mark Fleischhauer