Search gets serious; 73 people attend focus groups to determine what characteristics the community would like to see in the next USD 234 superintendent.

Seventy-three community members had the opportunity on Thursday to participate in the search for a new superintendent for the USD 234 district to replace Rick Werling following his retirement on June 30.

Doug Moeckel, Kansas Association of School Boards associate executive director of leadership, met with eight groups throughout the day yesterday to discuss characteristics the community wishes to see in the next superintendent.

The eight groups he met with were: Administrators, teachers, Booster Club and PTO members, community leaders, student council, classified employees, the school site councils and members of the Kansas National Education Association.

During a special meeting of the USD 234 Board of Education, trustees discussed and considered the input from community members and leaders as reported to them by Moeckel.

"I was impressed with the community members that showed up," Moeckel said. "They were really appreciative to be a part of the process and are very excited about the future."

Moeckel met with each group individually for 50-minute sessions at the Board of Education office. He asked the groups four questions:

1. List the three most important leadership qualities that you desire in your new superintendent.

2. Describe the strengths of the district the new superintendent must keep in place.

3. List three critical needs the superintendent will need to be aware of and address.

In one word, what's the single most important characteristic the new superintendent must have?

Some of the responses Moeckel told the board he received said community members wanted someone: who can make tough, even unpopular decisions; a creative visionary that is "open to stakeholders input;" and a strong leader who has "backbone and accountability."

Strengths of the district, according to community members, are: the effectiveness of the teachers and staff; the community support; and the importance of "kids first."

Moeckel said one word that came up multiple times throughout the day was "leader."

After reporting his findings to the board, Moeckel in turn asked board members the same questions.

When asked, board members said they wanted a visionary who has common sense and can think outside of the box while keeping strong programs like fine arts and athletics in place, and strong relationships with the community and staff.

Some areas the new superintendent needs to be aware of and address, board members said, are: the relationship with Fort Scott Community College; morale; and technology.

Moeckel said he would compile all the information he gathered from the focus groups and board members themselves and return it to the board within a couple of days.

KASB helps board members narrow down candidates and complete background checks, but the ultimate decision will be up to the board.

The position for superintendent closes on April 2 and Moeckel will return to Fort Scott on April 4 to discuss applicants with KASB officials who will be here.

He will then go over them with board members that night during a special meeting, most of which will be held in executive session.

After board members notify the candidates who have been chosen as finalists, the public and media can then be notified because of privacy concerns.

Interviews will be conducted the week of April 9.

On April 18, the board will make its decision about the new superintendent.

In other business,

the board:

* Approved the Wide Area Network and Internet bids for next year.

The district is going to be switching from AT&T Internet to Suddenlink Internet which will improve bandwith and capability.

* Approved the resignation notice from Jackie Harvey, the Winfield Scott Elementary counselor at the end of the regular school year.

* Board members then had to adjourn the special meeting to start another special meeting to approve an item that was not on the agenda.

During the second special meeting of the night, board members approved the basic service agreement for AT&T phone service, which the district will be keeping.

The rate for this year, Business Manager Tiffany Forester said, is actually $46 lower than last year.

The phone service covers all phone and fax lines between the schools.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is April 9 at the USD 234 Board Office, 434 S. Main St.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.