KEEP PUBLIC IN SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

Eight people attended a public forum last week to outline qualities they want in a new superintendent of schools for Cape Girardeau.

The lack of attendance demonstrates an obvious lack of interest, right?

Not necessarily.

It may just be too early in the process for citizens to have much interest in the superintendent search.

Besides, most people would agree in general on the qualities they want in a new school leader: intelligence, patience, understanding, vision, enthusiasm, commitment, integrity, innovation, experience, drive, a take-charge attitude and the ability to work well with others as a team.

Transforming these ideal qualities into an individual may be a whole other matter.

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education is on the right track to involve the public from the start. But the board members shouldn't be disheartened that this early effort produced little response.

The school board should consider embracing the same process for hiring its new leader as the city of Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State University used so successfully. Both whittled down the list of applicants in private and then publicly announced the names of the finalists. Those individuals were brought to town for everyone to meet and personally assess.

This process allowed more people to understand the decision process, and it let the public provide valuable input.

Make no mistake. The choice for a new superintendent is significant. This individual will set the tone and direction for the future direction of the Cape Girardeau Public Schools.

Dr. Dan Tallent has served the school district well as superintendent since January 1996. He will leave the post next June 30.

The public's lack of initial interest in the search process could demonstrate a contented feeling with the current administration. But it wasn't that long ago that the community was at odds with the superintendent. Tallent's predecessor was ultimately fired, and Tallent has done a good job at renewing confidence in both the administration and the school system.

It is time to build on those good feelings by making the search process an open one that involves the public, teachers, staff and parents.

Good leaders are sometimes hard to find. But with everyone working together, the challenge seems much more manageable.