Poplar Bluff holds focus groups to determine qualities of new superintendent

It is important to be involved in Poplar Bluff School District's search for a new superintendent, according to participants at two focus groups held Monday.

"Everyone has the chance to shape our children's lives and what happens in our community," said junior high teacher Judy Russell. "When it's time to vote, sometimes people think what's one vote? But every voice is important."

The focus groups asked people to offer an opinion on the qualities that are most important in the next leader of the district. Current Superintendent Ernie Lawson will retire in June 2010.

Meetings were led by Jerry Waddle of the Missouri School Board Association. The association has been hired to assist the district with its search. Board members hope to hire a new superintendent in January.

Approximately 20 people attended a meeting for staff members and another 10 people attended a meeting for community members. Some 20 surveys were submitted prior to the meetings. Surveys are available online at www.r1schools. org, under superintendent search. They must be turned in to the central office by Wednesday.

Those participating in Monday's meetings expressed concern about the low attendance, questioning both the district's efforts to get the public involved and why some community members chose not to become involved.

"This school system and (Three Rivers Community College) are the two most important playing cards in the future of this community," said Randy Stricker, whose son recently graduated. "The leadership of both needs to get people involved."

Doug Jackson, whose daughter attends Oak Grove Elementary, pointed out that only 10 people were attending a meeting asking for public input. Jackson disagreed that all the blame for the low attendance could be placed on last night's football playoff game.

"I'm afraid this might be the root of our problem," Jackson said. "The administrators and teachers can't do anything if parents aren't involved."

Attendees did agree this is a critical decision for the district. Many said integrity and high moral standards were the most important characteristic they would look for in a new superintendent.

"If that leads you in every decision, you have a great beginning," said Maryrose Stricker, adding she would like to see Poplar Bluff become one of the best districts in the state. "We have a great opportunity with the highway development for a period of great growth. If we don't have the infrastructure, like education, hospitals, and jobs, available, it'll really hold us back."

Maryrose Stricker said she wants all applicants to be looked at equally, with no special consideration given to someone because they are an internal candidate.

Jackson said his main concern was a local candidate being put at a disadvantage because they are already with the school system.

"I think we have local people who have done a good job and are good applicants," he said. "I think they should be given a chance."

At an earlier meeting for staff members, 5th & 6th Grade Center assistant principal Angie Jackson agreed the board should look at local applicants.

"I believe it is important, if we have quality candidates already employed by the district, we should look at those first," Angie Jackson said.

Russell, who teaches seventh grade math, said she wants a superintendent who is a Christian, who does not frequent bars or lead a life that is immoral.

"I want somebody to go the extra mile to make people feel comfortable and that their opinions are valuable," said Russell, adding the district has a fine superintendent now. "I want open mindedness and professionalism in decision making."

Others said the next superintendent should be someone who can motivate staff and community members, is visible in the community, and communicates well with others.

Participants were concerned about issues they believed could affect the number of people interested in the position, such as poorly written descriptions of the community in advertisements, and perception of the school board, as well as student performance.

If there are negative perceptions, those could scare some people away, Waddle said. Others may see those areas as challenges, he continued.

Information from the meetings and surveys will be reviewed and summarized by the association, then presented to the board for use in its selection process.

Heather Nagy, who has a son at junior high, said she appreciated the opportunity to be involved in this discussion. Nagy indicated that in the past, some parents have felt their participation was not encouraged.

"This is the number one decision that is going to affect the future of our schools," Nagy said. "I like when we have a board and superintendent that are open to listening to us."