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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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Public a no-show at meeting Only 10 people share ideas on new superintendent with school board members Staff Writer During the last 45 years, the Brainerd community has experienced leadership under nine Minnesota governors and eight U.S. presidents, but only three school superintendents - Elliot Whoolery, Bob Gross and Jerry Walseth, who retires July 1.
That's why Brainerd School Board member Bob Nystrom said the hiring of Brainerd's next superintendent is one of the most important decisions the school board will make, not only for the school district but for the community.
But several board members expressed disappointment when only 10 people showed up at Tuesday's two-hour listening session to meet individually with residents to provide input on what characteristics and priorities they would like to see for the next superintendent.
"I thought it was a good venue if people wanted to come, but I wish there were more people," Nystrom said.
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David Devine, an English teacher at Brainerd High School (left), looked at his daughter, Mari, after asking her what grade school she would be in next year as Brainerd School Board member Bob Nystrom listened Tuesday night during a superintendent listening session at Riverside Elementary School.
Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood
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As of Monday, 66 people filled out online surveys at the district's Web site, www.isd181.org - the same surveys that could be filled out at Tuesday's open house session, with assistance from board members, who took the opportunity to listen to what their constituents had to say.
"This is like a pulse," board member Kent Montgomery said. "We're taking the pulse of the community."
Montgomery said the information will be compiled and used to create a hiring grid to help board members rank each of the superintendent candidates in specific areas. It also will be shared with the community and with the newly hired superintendent, providing a list of job priorities broken down by the various segments of the community, including community members, school employees, board members and parents.
"This was a way for people to speak personally with school board members and they're taking a lot of time to give us thoughtful feedback," Montgomery said. "I think that reflects we're taking it seriously. We really want the input and it will be used in the selection."
Lorrie Anderson, a Brainerd High School English teacher, stopped in Tuesday and met with board members, filling out a survey.
"That's disappointing that more community members didn't come out and speak to board members personally because it's just as important of a process as closing schools or cutting sports," Anderson said.
"I was hoping to have more people show up and give their input," board chair Reed Campbell said. "It's an important decision we have to make."
"People are busy and they can do the survey online in five to 10 minutes so I can certainly understand that," Montgomery said of the low turnout Tuesday. "But there's no coffee and cookies online."
Community members are encouraged to fill out the online survey on the district's Web site, available until Monday. A school board personnel committee likely will be called some time next week to go over the survey results and create a hiring grid for the new superintendent.
Monday is the last day to apply for the superintendent position.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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