NASHUA — School officials have adopted a new process for evaluating the superintendent's performance, a method that will be implemented on an annual basis each summer.

This week, the board of education unanimously approved the new Superintendent Performance Review Process, which focuses on seven major standards including strategic, instructional, cultural and managerial leadership practices.

“This is not intended to be a checklist,” said Steven Haas, board member, explaining it is a document of items that the board can use to make a conclusion as to how the superintendent is performing.

Superintendent Mark Conrad has been leading the Nashua School District since September 2009. Previously, he was the district's business administrator for about 10 years.

While Dennis Ryder, board member, said Monday that he is very pleased with Conrad's performance, he said an individual would have to be Superman to score proficient or above in the dozens of categories mentioned.

The review process begins with a self assessment by the superintendent, which will then be presented to the board of education.

Next, the board will meet independently to create its own assessment based on a rubric, develop a consensus review rubric and then meet with the superintendent to discuss the consolidated performance assessment and create a series of goals for the upcoming school year.

Each board member is being asked to rate the superintendent — using distinguished, accomplished, proficient, developing or unsatisfactory designations — for various categories and objectives.

Some of the questions include, “Does the superintendent create a working relationship with the board that results in a shared vision for the district; challenge the status quo by leading change with potentially beneficial outcomes; lead with clear, high-profile focus on learning and teaching oriented toward high expectations and concrete goals; communicate strong ideals and beliefs about schooling, teaching and professional learning communities with all stakeholders and then operate from those beliefs; and communicate a positive attitude about the ability of personnel to accomplish substantial goals?” and so on.

More than 70 questions are to be considered by each board member, and then individual member ratings will be tallied.

“While I agree that it is robust, I prefer it to be that way,” said Kimberly Muise, board member, explaining a comprehensive review with detailed questions will get people thinking about things they may not typically consider when making a performance evaluation.

“I thought it was a very good analysis … and a good framework for us,” agreed Thomas Vaughan, board member.

Robert Hallowell, board president, said this new process will hopefully enable the board of education to come to a consensus for the superintendent's evaluation.

Conrad's evaluation will take place in the coming weeks, at which time the board will use the new process and determine if any adjustments or tweaks need to be made, according to Hallowell.

Although this year's evaluation will likely not take place until the beginning of the school year because of a delay in approving the new process, in the future, the annual superintendent's evaluation will occur in the summer, with the self-assessment meeting around July 15 and the final evaluation meeting and goal setting around Aug. 15.

khoughton@newstote.com