On November 6, 2019, Burlington Superintendent Yaw Obeng announced that he will resign in June. Since then, the Burlington School Board has hired the search firm McPherson & Jacobson, LLC to advise on the process and recruit a competitive applicant pool. 

Dr. John Gratto of McPherson & Jacobson came to Burlington High School today to answer questions from students and teachers and to better understand the BHS community.

“I’m in the process of meeting with student groups, teachers and support staff groups, and community groups to hear their questions, and ask them questions,” said Gratto. “We’re looking for people who fit the desirable attributes of the new superintendent as identified by the board and the community.”

Gratto hopes that showcasing the good things about Burlington’s community and schools will attract a candidate perfect for the position.

“Ideally, we will then attract a large pool of well-qualified candidates that the Board can choose from to select their new superintendent,” said Gratto. “I’m expecting perhaps 50 or so people will apply for this position.”

As of today, January 8th, five candidates have applied. The deadline for applications will be March 2nd. 

Gratto plans to meet with the school board next week to finalize the calendar for the search.

“The [School] Board wants a very open and transparent process,” said Gratto. “Part of that is gathering the thoughts of people who will be affected by this decision. And that’s exactly what we are doing.”