By James Lomuscio
The person replacing Westport Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon, set to retire in June, should be a good communicator, have a record of success, “a high degree of emotional intelligence” and offer mutual respect, according to q leadership profile released today. 
Elliott Landon: retiring after 17 years. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The Westport Board of Education has posted the leadership profile on its website http://www.westport.k12.ct.us/
Topping the list of qualifications is a candidate who is a good communicator with “well refined writing and speaking skills.”
“Timely and effective communication concerning budget, facilities projects, program initiatives, emerging trends and critical issues facing the Westport Public Schools are essential,” the profile says.
“Superintendents spend a great deal of their professional lives marketing budgets, proposing new initiatives, sharing the good news about the accomplishments of students and staff, and need excellent communication skills –- including social media savvy –- to succeed.
“Equally important are listening skills, hearing and responding to a wide range of constituents, emerging issues and incidents,” it adds.
According to Michael Gordon, school board chairman, the profile was compiled by the schools’ contracted national search firm Hazard, Attea & Young (HYA).
It is based on a survey of almost 700 participants, plus public sessions and two dozen focus groups with school board members, administrators, town officials, teachers, support staff and parents.
“The level of participation during HYA’s research phase was outstanding and speaks to the engagement of our community in the schools,” said Gordon.
Jeannie Smith, school board vice chair, agreed, offering thanks to “everyone who has been part of this important process to date.”
According to Gordon, HYA has now entered into its recruitment phase, soliciting candidates regionally and nationally.
“Later this year, the BoE will begin the selection phase of the process,” he said.
Gordon added that after the new superintendent is selected, the school board “will assist with transition planning and set goals with the new superintendent.”
