Published: May 16, 2008 03:05 pm            

Community members discuss superintendent search

CLINTON — A small group of community members attended the focus groups held by the Clinton School Board last night in an effort to solicit public feedback on the district’s search for a new superintendent.

The forum at Whittier Elementary School was conducted by Eric Witherspoon, one of the consultants from School Exec Connect, the search firm hired by the board to assist in the search. The handful of participants went over the survey form available for completion on the Clinton Community School District’s Web site, and discussed goals for the future, as well as the challenges and strengths of the district.

The group began the hour-long session by compiling a list of the district’s strengths, and most participants ranked teachers as number one. One man in attendance stated he was grateful for the district’s “very dedicated” group of teachers and staff, noting that he felt his three daughters are being provided with “a quality education in the face of budget cuts and morale issues.” Other highlights mentioned included the newly constructed elementary school buildings Jefferson and Eagle Heights, as well as the district’s strong curriculum.

When Witherspoon asked the audience members to list the community’s strong points, participants mentioned the potential for growth and increased funding with the additions of ADM and the new Wild Rose Casino, as well as community members that “care about kids and education.” The group had several negatives to list as well, including a largely transient, low-income population. Board member Mercia Wolf stated she was concerned about a large group existing in the community of people who were uniformed of the search process, and the workings of the school district.

“We aren’t really reaching the people,” Wolf said.

Several members of the focus groups also expressed growing concerns of an administration that does not listen to or appreciate its teachers, which is having a negative trickle down effect on students.

“When teachers do not feel valued or respected, it’s hard for them to put that out there and make students feel valued and respected,” stated one woman in attendance.

“There has been a real division between administrators and teachers, and that communication and respect and ownership has to be built back up,” said one woman, who stated she was previously employed with the district as a teacher. “When teachers feel like they don’t have any power, they take it out on the kids. They are resentful and bitter.”

Participants also listed a declining population and growing problems with discipline and behavior among students as challenges currently facing the district.

When Witherspoon asked the group to list goals for the future, the number one response was improvement of the district’s facilities, as well as the establishment of a rapport with staff and community members. Participants also hoped for increased student discipline and, one woman stated she would like to have community members realize that “schools aren’t what they were 50 years ago, and students aren’t what they were 50 years ago.”

The group also compiled a list of desired attributes in a new superintendent, including a talent for public relations, an ability to communicate with teachers and staff in an effort to rebuild morale, and, as one man stated, “a vision to bring us to the next stage.”

Witherspoon concluded the meeting stating that he would synthesize the group’s responses and present the information to the school board by early next week. He also encouraged participants to “get the word out” to friends and neighbors about the search process, and encourage them to complete the survey form, which will be available at all area schools and on the district Web site until Thursday.

Witherspoon added that the board has already received 19 completed applications for the superintendent position, and he knows of two more candidates who are planning to reply.

“It really speaks well that there’s that kind of interest,” Witherspoon said. “I’m very confident that the board is going to be able to look at a good slate of candidates.”

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.