CLAFLIN — The Central Plains USD 112 Board of Education met Nov. 8 to discuss what the public had to say about the superintendent search. Kansas Association of School Boards Field Specialist Gary Sechrist met with board members and disseminated information he had gleaned during his meetings with school representatives as well as an online survey.

Sechrist is heading up the search for the new superintendent when interim superintendent Bill Lowry’s contract ends June 30.

“The results of my meetings and the surveys weren’t too different from what I’ve seen in other searches,” he said.

The visit on Nov. 8 was the second of many. This one was specifically focused on what the public and teachers felt were important qualities and issues to keep in mind during the search.

Administrators and staff met with Sechrist throughout the day in focus groups. The groups contained altogether 21 people. The district office and administrators made up six of those in attendance and the other 15 were staff. Each school was given the opportunity to send five people, four certified and one classi- fied. Administrators sent out an email asking for volunteers. If there were more than five, names were drawn from a hat according to the board.

“It was a fun group. I really appreciated the folks that came,” Sechrist said.

For the online survey, 141 people responded.

Of the respondents, the majority described themselves as community members, with 40 percent in that category.

Parents or guardians who responded made up 38 percent, teachers 11 percent, 7.5 employees, two percent administrators and a couple of students even weighed in.

About 57 percent of those who responded said they were associated with the community or school district for 20 or more years.

“You can only respond as one of these,” Sechrist said, “and even though 141 responded, that doesn’t mean they answered all the questions.”

The questions online attempt to replicate those discussed at the inperson focus groups.

Most of the questions dealt with identifying important qualities of a superintendent, both personally and professionally.

High on the priority list was personal strength to do what’s right — regardless of circumstance, a kids-first mentality, efficient manager of resources and budget, proactive and forward thinker and communityoriented. When asked what qualities they would hope the board would utilize to separate candidates from one another, “honest, trustworthy and strong integrity” were No. 1.

“I have never seen this come out any other way,” Sechrist said.

One question dealt with critical needs and challenges. While only 88 people answered that question online, it was often about unity in the communities and budget. In one instance, a comment had to be redacted as it used a specific name.

“Some of these you may or may not like, but that’s how it goes,” Sechrist said. “I don’t think any of it will surprise you though.”

For the most part, the board seemed to agree with the public’s opinions.

After discussing the results of the public input, Sechrist made suggestions in regards to the interview day for any candidates who arise.

During the interview process it is recommended that potential candidates tour all the communities and buildings they will serve. The tour would be followed by a public session during which community members could meet the candidates. After that, a dinner along with formal interviews would take place, both of which will be executive sessions.

This is a schedule KASB recommends when searching for a superintendent.

Questions that will be asked of the candidates during their interviews will be prepared prior to the December regular meeting, along with salary ranges and logistics of the interview visit, then on Jan. 8, Sechrist will return and be afforded an hour-long meeting during the regular board meeting to discuss the applicants who have been found and make recommendations to the board. This briefing will be held in executive session.