Hollister
– San Benito High School Trustees are ready to take action in
their search for a new superintendent to lead the county’s biggest
high school and now they know exactly what they’re looking for in
candidates.
Hollister – San Benito High School Trustees are ready to take action in their search for a new superintendent to lead the county’s biggest high school and now they know exactly what they’re looking for in candidates.
Last week, the trustees met to determine what characteristics are required in an applicant looking too take the helm of SBHS and fill the shoes of outgoing Superintendent Jean Burns Slater.
“This is a very attractive position,” said Walt Buster of Leadership Associates, the search firm SBHS hired to find a new superintendent. “I hope that we’ll have so many qualified candidates that the board will have a hard time deciding on just one.”
Slater announced her retirement earlier this year after extending her contract an additional three months, allowing the district enough time to complete a thorough search for a replacement. Last month, the board of trustees hired Leadership Associates, the firm who had originally brought Slater to the district, to conduct a confidential search for a new superintendent, who asked for last Thursday’s public meeting.
Around 20 members of the public were present to offer suggestions who, along with trustees, left Buster with a laundry list of characteristics and qualifications desired in a new leader for the district.
“I think what the board has said and what the community wants are very close,” said Buster. “They want someone with integrity, who is trustworthy, and someone who is sincerely affectionate towards high school students.”
Other priorities the board named include finding an applicant with good fiscal sense and an understanding of the district’s budget, someone who recognizes and rewards talented teachers and staff, and a candidate dedicated to eliminating the school’s achievement gap.
Though a doctorate degree is preferred, it is possible that the board will consider applicants as along as they have both teaching and administrative credentials. Interviews will take place on or around July 14, and the district hopes to have their new superintendent reporting for duty by July 30. Currently the position earns $150,000 a year with the same medical benefits teachers receive.
“Hollister is a wonderful community, and I think there are a lot of marvelous opportunities at San Benito High School,” said Trustee Evelyn Muro. “From an organizational standpoint, I don’t see how it could be any better for someone looking to effect change.”
The board developed a list of community leaders they want their search firm to meet with to collect additional suggestions as to what sort of superintendent will best serve the community. Over the next several weeks, representatives from the SBHS teacher’s union, County Office of Education, Hollister School District, law enforcement, county and city government officials, the League of United Latin American Citizens, local YMCA, service clubs and faith-based organizations will be contacted.
“We need a superintendent with vision and stability, who can really see the big picture,” said Chuck Schallhorn, SBHS teacher’s association president and department chair. “… As a small town, so much of what happens in the community revolves around the high school – 10 percent of the city’s population goes to school or works here.”
The community will have further opportunities to communicate to the board and Leadership Associates what sort of person they would like to see hired. Two open forums will be held on the 24th and 25th from 6:30-8pm in the District meeting room. For more information visit the SBHS Web site or e-mail [email protected]
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
