Results Roll in From Springs School Principal Search Survey

A majority of Springs School teachers, students and their parents agree that the most important trait in their next principal will be being a collaborative leader who listens, and one who understands the needs of students and staff.

This was the result of a survey sent out to residents and staff, of which 233 responses were received by its closing March 17. At a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 21, Superintendent Debra Winter said of those who answered, 55.8 percent were sixth, seventh and eighth grade students; 23.2 percent were parents; 20.6 percent, teachers; 6.4 percent, staff members; and 5.2 percent, community members.

Other qualities residents and staff members are looking for in the district’s next principal are strong curriculum and instruction, someone who advocates for restorative practices for students, has the ability to provide professional development, understands budget presentations, has a professional network for support, and lives in or near the district.

Though lower on the public and staff’s list, having a principal who lives close by has been stated as a high priority for the Board of Education.

So far, 22 applications have been received, and of those, four live more locally, either on the North Fork or South Fork. Winter said the search will remain open through Sunday, because there is a job fair at Eastern Suffolk BOCES on Saturday that she will be participating in.

Those surveyed were also asked to list what they believe are three of the greatest challenges for the next principal. Of those surveyed, 60.9 percent said communication, 60.1 percent said improving the culture within the building, 54.5 percent said understanding Springs’ budget limitations, 46.4 percent said enhanced learning opportunities, 33 percent said school safety and 20.2 percent said post-COVID learning opportunities.

There were 203 people who also responded to a question asking, “If you had the opportunity to be the next principal, what would be the first thing you would do?”

Some of the common comments included have frequent meetings with parents, staff and students, and town hall meetings; open communications, and hire a bilingual liaison and communications person; create strong relationships with the community; add more clubs, a cafeteria, sports and activities, including study halls; and be approachable, visible, listen and make sure staff is valued while improving morale and bringing the school together.

Of the 170 who left additional comments, those comments ranged from ensuring the principal has a bond with students, is compassionate, open-minded and flexible, and committed to staying, to creating a suggestion box, finding a way to work together, rethinking the administrative structure in the school and setting the tone and vision for the school.