On Wednesday, Jan. 7, the Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake CSD Board of Education reviewed the themes that emerged from the community feedback gathered as part of the district’s superintendent search. The presentation, delivered by District Superintendent & CEO Lauren J. Gemmill of Capital Region BOCES, summarized input from both an online survey and a series of community forums.
In total, 157 survey responses and 36 participants across eight forums helped shape a clear picture of what the community values and what it hopes to see in the district’s next leader. A summary of the presentation is outlined below.
District strengths
Participants highlighted several areas where BH‑BL continues to excel:
- Strong community and school spirit
- Academic excellence and rigor
- High‑quality teachers and staff
- Robust extracurricular offerings and academic opportunities
- Effective leadership and shared decision‑making
These strengths reflect a district culture that families and staff are proud to support.
Areas for growth
Feedback also pointed to opportunities for improvement, including:
- Facilities, buildings, and infrastructure
- Athletics
- Communication and transparency
- Student behavior
- Perceptions of top‑heavy leadership
- Staffing levels and salaries
- Special education supports
These themes will help guide future planning and leadership priorities.
Desired Qualities in the Next Superintendent
Community members expressed a clear vision for the type of leader they hope to see:
- Student‑first and visible in the community
- A servant leader who collaborates and understands instruction
- Future‑ready, especially in technology
- Culturally competent and deeply connected to the community
- A strong fiscal steward and strategic planner
- Courageous, professional, and committed for the long term
Immediate priorities for the next superintendent
When asked what the next superintendent should focus on first, respondents emphasized:
- Building relationships, visibility, and trust
- Advancing capital projects and facilities improvements
- Budget development
- Ensuring a smooth leadership transition
- Strengthening communication and transparency
- Reviewing operational policies that impact families
- Addressing developmentally appropriate use of technology and AI
Additional community perspectives
Comments reflected appreciation for the search process and gratitude for the Board’s work. Many also expressed admiration for the retiring superintendent’s legacy and a desire to maintain the district’s positive culture. Opinions varied on whether the next leader should come from within or outside the district, and perspectives differed on the district’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Next Steps in the Superintendent Search
The Board of Education is now entering the next phase of the search process:
- Monday, Jan. 5: Application window closed
- January 2026: Board selects candidates to interview
- February 2026: Multiple rounds of interviews, including sessions with community stakeholder groups
- March 2026: Board selects a finalist and completes contract negotiations
- Spring 2026: New superintendent announced
The district will continue to keep the community informed as the process moves forward.