Highlights From Superintendent Finalist Dr. Kristan Rodriguez Live Blog

Melrose Public Schools superintendent finalist Dr. Kristan Rodriguez met with the public and was interviewed by the School Committee on Wednesday. Below are highlights from Melrose Patch's live blog of the meeting.

These are lightly edited selections from the live blog, a . Questions are in bold and Kelleher's paraphrased responses start with "KR."

Working with Teachers

Q: It's possible that teachers have gotten the impression they aren't being listened to in the Superintendent search. Could you please enlighten us about your actual conversations with teachers?

KR: I absolutely went into classrooms and spoke with many people. We didn't spend as much time touring in some buildings, but some staff came back after the school day ended to talk. Allowing them access to me after school allowed us to engage in that conversation. I'm constantly in the classrooms in Chelmsford. The first thing you do as a new super is outreach with the teachers.

Leadership

Q: What qualities and skills do you look for in your leadership team?

KR: We just hired two new principals in my system this week. Instructional leadership is key. They have to know what needs to be done in their school. When I talk with administrators and mentor and support them. That's an expectation of mine.

Q: As a superintendent, how would you look at an assistant superintendent and what would you have them do?

KR: There are various roles for an assistant superintendent. They need to be an expert in those areas. I also expect a level of collaboration among the team. We need to be consistent in our expectations. I expect them to be experts in their field, leaders, role models, and it's my job to model them.

Q: How do you get people on board with your vision?

KR: It's your job to get them on board. You have to explain this to our leaders because they are affecting change. They have to understand it before they can lead with it. You have to think of the systemic pieces that underline your vision. That's why we need to be thoughtful about making changes over a number of years. Get people involved in the process. It's research based. You have to show the effect, show that it works and can work in your district. You need the time to build it.

Q: How do you make sure your vision is being done in the classroom? How do you make sure the students are taught what they need to be taught?

KR: I need to be visible. I need to be in the classrooms. Hold chats with staff. I get them at their most tense time, when they're most stressed out and find out what's working and what they need help with. You need building-level support and passionate teachers who demonstrate what the vision is all about. Part of what I like to do is use peer leaders.

Creating a Culture of Excellence

Q: How would you go about framing a new culture around curriculum?

KR: There are paradigm shifts happening right now in education. A lot of change is happening already. You need central staff administrators who get that. I'm one of the state trainers in common core and Race To The Top. People need to understand you know what you're talking about when you lead. We have to celebrate what we do well. We need a culture of collaboration. These norms of collaboration allow us to assume positive intent with one another so we can ask questions and move forward. We have to say why and articulate that. Before I can set a new culture, I have to understand the history here.

KR: It can't start on July 1. If have to start earlier. You need to start making the connections with the community and understand the history.

Q: You're aware the high school is on warning. What are your thoughts on what you may be able to add to improve the process and move us from warning status? You now what you're applying for, so I'm curious how you'd move that.

KR: I know how to prepare for a NEASC visit and how to get a high score from that visit. It needs to be part of the district focus; it's too big to be on the shoulders of the high school and its staff. So many people put time and effort into the reports (in Chelmsford). Having just gone through it successfully, I have the background and tools to support the HS through that.