Searching, openly

With the Wake County school board's majority conspicuously interested in hiring a new superintendent from outside the ranks of career educators, even while it embraces a controversial neighborhood school policy, it perhaps was no surprise to find out that Donna Hargens, the interim superintendent, was looking elsewhere for a job. The New Hanover County school system on Monday identified Hargens as one of three finalists for its open superintendent's position.

Hargens looks as if she'd be a good catch for New Hanover. She has lengthy public school experience, including as a principal and as Wake's chief academic officer. She has headed the Wake system, North Carolina's largest, on an interim basis since Del Burns resigned early this year in disagreement over the school board's direction.

It's an interesting twist to see that New Hanover's superintendent search is being conducted openly now that it is down to three candidates. That is a good policy that allows for maximum public interaction and feedback.

Hargens is competing with a New Hanover assistant superintendent and with the superintendent of Catawba County's schools. Their qualifications are now out there for the public to evaluate. And each will be expected to participate in meetings where they will speak about their background and goals.

In Wake, the process could be much different. A Chicago-based search firm has been hired to identify candidates. So far, the board seems inclined to keep their names confidential throughout, meaning the identity of the board's eventual choice would not be disclosed in advance. That would needlessly forfeit a chance to consider public comment regarding finalists and risk undercutting the community's confidence in the new superintendent. New Hanover has the better approach.