What Are We Supposed To Ask?

As part of the Finalist process, we are hoping that our stakeholders will ask a variety of questions of our candidate. We have already met with the candidate several times, but having outside perspectives is extremely important. For our parents, we hope that you will submit your questions in advance to kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com. For those who have not submitted their questions in advance, we will have paper and pencils to submit your questions in writing. We will the read the questions to the candidate. It is important to remember that this meeting is not a full-fledged interview. It is chance for you to listen to the candidate's thoughts about Kadima and its future, and for you to ask questions of the candidates. By having the questions in advance, and by only permitting written questions, we can best control the flow of the meeting and ensure that the candidate and our parents can spend their time together productively.

But what should you ask? As an employment lawyer during the day, I usually talk what should you not ask. In this case, you should ask what you feel is important to you as parents of our students. It is not helpful to ask questions such as "why is it so expensive?" or "Will you change the math book that we are using?" Instead, you may want to ask questions in the following areas:

• Leadership Issues (What is your style of leadership? What has been your greatest professional challenge? Tell us about an unpopular decision you made and how you gained acceptance for it?).
• The Role of a Head of School (What is your philosophy regarding integrating Jewish and general studies? Why should a family send their kids to Jewish Day School? How do you build trust and good relationships in the school? How would handle a problem student?).
• Educational Leadership (How would you ensure that our general studies program remains competitive with the best schools in the area? What do you believe are the hallmarks of an effective Judaic Studies curriculum?).
• Community Relationships (How would you go about strengthening Kadima's image in the community?).
  
• Other Topics (Why do you want this job? What are your goals for Kadima? In the next 18 months? In the next three years?).

These are just some ideas. We know that you will have your own thoughts about what to ask, but the foregoing hopefully will get you thinking about how to use your limited time most effectively.