Hollister
– After weeks of searching for a successor to outgoing
Superintendent Jean Burns Slater, San Benito High School Trustees
can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Hollister – After weeks of searching for a successor to outgoing Superintendent Jean Burns Slater, San Benito High School Trustees can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
The board interviewed candidates for the position this week and the plan is to have a selection made by July 30.
Board President Jan Joseph was reluctant to divulge any details of the search, saying simply, “We’re working on it.”
More than 10 people applied to take the helm of SBHS, said Walter Buster of Leadership Associates, the search firm hired to find a replacement for Slater.
“Most of the applicants are from California,” he said. “It’s such a unique place that it can be difficult to relocate, and the education issues in California are unique as well, so it’s usually better to stay within the state.”
Buster said he is confident that the job of serving as SBHS Superintendent, overseeing the education of roughly 3,000 students, is a desirable position.
“The two questions applicants always ask me are, ‘How is the school board?’ and ‘How are labor relations?'” he said. “And after talking with the school board and representatives from both of the unions, I know that they’re very cooperative, focused and are eager to bring in strong leadership.”
Before presenting applicants to the board of trustees, Leadership Associates held several meetings with interested community members. Representatives from local law enforcement, government and other school districts as well as SBHS teachers’ and classified unions had a chance to share what qualities they thought a new superintendent should bring to the table.
“I hope that the new superintendent will continue our collaborative efforts to have a real K-12 education system,” said Ron Crates, superintendent of the Hollister School District, where the majority of SBHS’ freshmen come from each year. “Someone who will work with our district to help all the youth in our community and who will focus on improving student performance.”
Trustees have named their search priorities as an applicant with good fiscal sense and an understanding of the district’s budget, who can recognize and reward talented students and staff and is dedicated to eliminating SBHS’ achievement gap.
The District formally approved its 2006-2007 budget in June, which has the district operating at a $455,000 deficit for the first time in recent memory. While district officials are confident that the budget can and will be balanced, cuts or at least changes will have to be made – in staff and work hours if not programs.
“The board is dedicated to finding someone who is strong in their field and has a good reputation,” Buster said. “And they’ve done a nice job of preparing the district for a change of leadership.”
Slater announced her retirement earlier in the year after extending her contract an additional three months, allowing the board time to find an adequate replacement. The Superintendent position currently earns a $150,000 salary and receives the same health benefits package as teachers.
“I think the community will be very pleased with the caliber of candidates for this position,” Buster said.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637- 5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
