Search for superintendent: Dr. Donna Hanlin
For Dr. Donna Hanlin, a positive school climate for both students and staff starts with active engagement from its community.
“The public education system is obviously very much a part of the community and I am sensing…not living it right now…but sensing that there is a disconnect right now and that there is a desire for collaborative leadership.” Explains Dr. Hanlin.
This is where she wants to step in.
Dr. Hanlin is one of three candidates being considered for superintendent of public schools in Wicomico County.
She currently serves as co-chair and director of Assessment and Accountability for the Department of Education at Shepherd University; however, she also spent 26 years in Wicomico County. Some of that time was spent as principal of James Bennett High School, where she also graduated from.
When asked on Wednesday, she says a big issue she would like to address is safety in schools.
A recent survey released by the Wicomico County Education Association polled close to 900 school employees.
37 percent reported they felt “much less safe” in school than they have in the past, compared to just 2 percent who say they felt safer.
To get to the root of the issue, Dr. Hanlin says she’d like to review the data but officials should dig deeper than surveys.
“Focus groups is an idea that I have had.” She says. “Going out and meeting one on one with individuals…individuals or groups, whether you call them focus groups or not…but listening or learning about what they believe the issues are.”
Dr. Hanlin tells 47 ABC, markers of success can be measured by watching students walk across the graduation stage.
“It’s that sense of accomplishment of what students have able to achieve and I think it’s been through my work as a collaborator my ability to relate to people, to parents, to staff members to create the school environment there.” Explains Dr. Hanlin.
By the end of Wednesday, the Board of Education met with all three candidates. We’re told there is no hard-and-fast timeline to when they will make their decision; however, an update is expected around April.
