San Benito High School Superintendent Jean Burns Slater is
retiring after a 34-year career in education.
Her retirement also marks the end of a three-and-half-year stint
at SBHS.
Hollister – San Benito High School Superintendent Jean Burns Slater is retiring after a 34-year career in education.
Her retirement also marks the end of a three-and-half-year stint at SBHS.
“When I was first hired, the board asked me ‘How long do you plan on staying here?’ ” she said. “And I thought to myself ‘You know, this seems like it would be a good place to retire from.’ So I had the idea in mind even then.”
Last week, Slater asked the board to extend her contract until Aug. 30, so that it would have a full six months to conduct a search for an adequate replacement.
“I wanted to make sure I timed it right,” she said. “Once the board decides how they want to select a new superintendent, the whole process takes about six months.”
Slater, who has said that she would not feel comfortable leaving the district if it were not in better shape than when she arrived, is most proud of how she has improved the lines of communication between the district, staff, students and the community during the course of the last three and half years.
“I think that people in the community know that they have a voice now,” she said. “We have a leadership team, a superintendent’s advisory council – we have board meetings where people actually attend and get up to talk… I’ve always wanted people to take an active role in their children’s education.”
Between when a replacement is actually selected for Slater and the end of her contract, she will be using her experience at SBHS to help the new superintendent transition into his or her new role.
“I have a lot of advice for them,” she said, laughing. “A superintendent is always compelled to act, it’s not enough to just maintain the status quo… You have to act on the behalf of all students in the district, and make sure that everyone is working towards continuous improvement.”
While Slater has not made any formal plans yet as to what she hopes to do in her retirement, she did say that she intends to stay involved in education and feels strong ties to San Benito County.
“We bought a home here as soon as I was hired, I feel a strong commitment to this county,” she said. “I hope to continue to work for change and keep an active, if less formal role in education.”
Slater was first hired in 2002. She succeeded Dick Lowry, who retired after serving as SBHSD superintendent for six years. At the time, the trustees selected her for her experience in labor negotiations and in large construction projects with the San Rafael City Schools district.
“Jean Burns Slater has been more than we hoped for when we hired her in November 2002,” said trustee Shelley Donati in a press release. “She has worked tirelessly to improve our programs and connect them to our families.”
Those who have worked with her closely are sad to see her go, but appreciate what she has contributed to education in San Benito County.
“Good for her,” said San Benito County Superintendent of Schools Tim Foley. “I’m glad she’s taking the time while she’s young enough to enjoy it, and she and her husband can enjoy their retirement together to the fullest.”
While Slater may be looking forward to retirement, her job is by no means finished, with at least one delicate issue on the horizon.
Two SBHS guidance counselors received word last Tuesday that their positions could be cut next year, which would render a blow to the remaining three counselors responsible for the wellbeing of about 1,000 teenagers each. Counselors are represented by the San Benito High School Teachers Association, however, and the union plans to be at the board meeting in force to protest tomorrow, when the trustees will decide whether to go forth with the resolution.
The union is also encouraging families and students who have benefited from a counselor’s help to attend to show support.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or ds****@fr***********.com
