Close to home: City district should mull local candidates

FOR much of the past three decades, those searching for an Oklahoma City Public Schools superintendent have set their sights outside the state's borders. As school board members begin the hunt for the district's fifth superintendent in eight years, we urge them to consider whether it's time to rethink that approach.

It isn't unusual for urban districts to seek superintendents with experience leading urban schools — with good reason, because urban districts have some unusual challenges. But Oklahoma City's recent superintendent history shows the pitfalls of going beyond state borders to find a schools chief.

For starters, transplants often aren't familiar with the state's education laws and procedures, particularly as they relate to spending.

Oklahoma City and all urban districts struggle to keep superintendents more than a few years. Hiring someone with no family ties to the state makes it easier for them to pick up and leave to be closer to family, as former Superintendent Bob Moore did in 2006.

There's also the important, though less tangible, issue of culture. Even the most well-qualified and experienced outsiders may find it a challenge to adjust their management styles to reflect the amiability Oklahomans exhibit and expect from others.

Given those complexities, board members would be wise to consider in-state candidates, particularly looking at those with superintendent experience in the state's large suburban districts. Many of the suburban districts face some of the same demographic and socioeconomic challenges as Oklahoma City.

We also encourage board members to call on local talent — several former area superintendents come to mind as does Keith Ballard, a former superintendent who now heads the Oklahoma State School Boards Association — for their input now and even throughout the search process. The insiders' perspective might just help the district better vet the candidates and land a quality superintendent with staying power.