Group discusses superintendent

Douglas County Interim Superintendent John Soderman called it the "dream team," the more than 20 board members, administrators, teachers and parents assembled for the district's annual strategic plan meeting at Genoa Lakes on Jan. 29.

The question Soderman asked, however, is how a new permanent superintendent will galvanize such a talent pool and lead the Douglas County School District to greatness.

He used the metaphor of nuclear power. Whoever is hired must harness the district's potential energy and "light a city."

"'Good' is the enemy of 'great,'" Soderman said. "We certainly want someone who thinks we're good, but someone who can move us towards great."

Jim Huge, the consultant hired for the superintendent search, laid out a timeline for selection. Since Jan. 4, the district has been advertising the position. The application deadline is Feb. 9 or until the position is filled. On Feb. 12 at 8 a.m., board members will meet to determine which applicants will be moving forward. Interviews will be held on March 2, 3 and 4.

Earlier in the day, the focus group established their top priorities for the year: Graduates will be competent; students will be encouraged to progress; excellence in instruction; the implementation of competencies and formative assessments; intervention to meet graduation requirements; and career and technical education.

Huge said the superintendent candidate must bring with them evidence of how they've addressed and affected similar issues in their current capacity.

"They must explain what role they've played," he said.

Huge said real, visible results in a school district usually require a good superintendent to be at the helm for about five years, definitely no less than three.

"We're looking for sustained quality leadership," he said. "There is no question whether this is a good district. The skills are here among the current staff and in the community's support. You just need to harness it all, and this district will be a leader not only in Nevada, but to other districts throughout the country."

Group members took turns discussing ideal qualities in a prospective superintendent.

"I look around Nevada, and I feel bad for the pickle we're in financially," said school board member Sharla Hales. "On an individual level, I look at families whose bread winners don't have the education to sustain them in the current job market. The new superintendent has to keep in mind every child's education. The bottom line is giving students what they need in terms of student achievement."

Parent Cheryl Blomstrom said the candidate must have a clear, demonstrated, data-driven understanding of student instruction.

Jan Visger, the district's director of special services, agreed.

"The people who work in the Douglas County School District are the most competent people, and they have standards as to what you got to know," she said. "They're a group of people who ask the hard questions."

Director of Human Resources Rich Alexander added the requirement of "process skills."

"They must have the ability to work with a group of people and get them to reach consensus," he said.

Douglas High Principal Marty Swisher said the district needs "a clear vision" for the future.

"I'm also looking for a person who is willing to come down and visit the schools," he said, "someone who will bump shoulder to shoulder with staff and get to know them, building that trust."

Board Clerk Keith Roman said the one thing the district needs more than anything else is leadership.

"In my mind, that's critical," he said. "All the other things are important, but without leadership, you can't do any of them. The superintendent has to have a good concept of self-worth and not agonize over decisions they make."

Brian Frazier, director of assessments, grants and special programs, added one more factor to the equation.

"Accountability," he said. "If it needs to get done, the person is willing to coach people to get it done, but they're also willing to take accountability for getting it done."

Members of the public have until 5 p.m. Saturday to offer their own suggestions through an online survey at http://dcsd.k12.nv.us.