PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK

Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Board of Education is looking for a new superintendent — and it’s seeking the public’s help.

The board says it’s seeking “maximum community input” as part of its process to select someone to permanently fill the position, which has been vacant since Anthony Hamlet stepped down in September following an ethics report detailing evidence of financial wrongdoing. Wayne Walters has been serving as interim superintendent.

“There is no more important decision we will make as a board than selecting the right superintendent for our district. Community engagement is an essential part of this process,” said Board President Sala Udin in a statement. “We are inviting members of both the Pittsburgh Public Schools family and broader City of Pittsburgh community to participate in community forums and complete surveys so that your voices can be heard.”

Community meetings are being held in five areas of the city to “ensure maximum opportunity to participate in the process,” the district said. One virtual session also is scheduled.

Light refreshments will be served prior to the start of the on-site meetings. To encourage participation, limited transportation will be offered from key locations within city neighborhoods by request. In addition, on-site child care will be available to those requesting it by registering in advance.

Though not required, participants are encouraged to wear face masks.

In March, the board hired the consulting firm BWP & Associates to lead a national search to identify qualified candidates to fill the post. BWP will use information gathered during a series of one-on-one interviews, small focus groups, community forums and through an online community input survey to learn the strengths, needs and relevant issues of the district. The nine-member board will make the ultimate hiring decision for the next permanent superintendent.

Feedback related to the following questions will be discussed and aggregated through the online survey: 

• What do you see as the greatest strengths of the Pittsburgh Public Schools?
• What do you see as the greatest challenges faced by the Pittsburgh Public Schools?
• What skill sets, qualities, and characteristics does the next superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools need to possess and demonstrate?
• Is there anything else you would like to share regarding the hiring of the next superintendent?

The district will also hold focus group sessions with participants representing district administrators, educators, parents and guardians, students, faith-based organizations, foundations, corporate leaders and board members. All of these insights will build the foundation on which the leadership profile for the new superintendent will be developed.

Here’s a list of the upcoming community forums open to the public, as long as you register in advance.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 

East
Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy 6-12
1101 N. Murtland St., Pgh., 15208
Meeting time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)

North
Pittsburgh Perry High School
3875 Perrysville Ave., Pgh., 15214
Meeting time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)

West
Pittsburgh Langley K-8
2940 Sheraden Blvd., Pgh., 15204
Meeting time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)

 Thursday, May 12, 2022

South
Pittsburgh Carrick High School
125 Parkfield St., Pgh., 15210
Meeting time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)

Central
Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy 6-12
107 Thackeray St., Oakland., 15213
Meeting time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)

Virtual Session
Meeting time: 6-7 p.m.
An option of a Virtual Community Forum is also available. Participation links will be shared in advance of the forum by registering online.