The Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education is expected to name a new Northwest High School principal July 14. Interviews will begin today.
"We need Wonder Woman or Superman," said social studies teacher Maria McDonald, one of 30 teachers who told MCPS officials what they sought in the school's new leader following the promotion of former principal Sylvia Morrison. "No one person could have all of the qualities we want."
Parents, students and staff said that the Germantown school's next principal should be consistent, approachable, have strong leadership abilities and be a visionary.
"This is a very desirable school," said Community Superintendant Dr. LaVerne Kimball. "Our goal is to make this school the best it can be."
Kimball and Sean Bulson, director of School Performance, will compile a list of characteristics from students, staff and parents. Some who attended Thursday's meetings will serve on the interview board, Bulson said.
Several people have applied for the vacancy after Morrison was appointed director of the instructional programs department, Kimball said.
Teacher Vernelle Shaw of Gaithersburg, has a daughter, Renee Broxton, who is a junior at the school and another daughter, Chantel Broxton, who graduated this month. Shaw said there is "a lot of potential at the school," but an administrator is needed to bring everyone together.
"We need someone who is approachable and consistent with students and staff," Shaw said. "We need an administrative team that's able to connect with the children and motivate them."
April Keyes, president of the Parent Teacher Student Association, said the next principal needs to "balance discipline and the various skills of the children" at the school.
Keyes, of Germantown and mother of a senior at the school, Michele, said the student body at Northwest is diverse and a principal who can understand the differences in the students is needed.
"I think they need someone here who can work with the diverse backgrounds we have at the school," Keyes said. "Our next principal has to be well rounded and an advocate for the children."
More than 20 students attended Thursday's meeting.
Senior Aaron Hayes of Germantown said a change in attitude is what the students want. Hayes, a member of the school's Student Government Association, said students want someone who will come out and participate in activities and bring back school spirit.
"I want the next principal to walk in with ideas we haven't thought of here," Hayes said. "I want it to be an agreement between the teachers, students, staff and administration that we are going to all work together in the best interest of the school."