Community weighs in on LPOSD search

SANDPOINT — For those who missed last week’s community forum, there is still time to provide input regarding the superintendent search for the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

The district hired recruiting firm McPherson & Jacobson recently to find a replacement for Superintendent Shawn Woodward, who starts in his new position with the Mead School District on July 1. Although they are on a tight timeline, McPherson & Jacobson consultants Bill and Barbara Dean said stakeholder outreach is an important part of the process.

“We want to meet with parents and community members to gather thoughts on four ideas — four things that we need to help us recruit and to help us inform potential candidates,” said Bill Dean.

The four questions posed to the group during the community forum last Thursday were: What are the good things about the community? What are the good things about the schools in the district? What issues in the community and schools should the superintendent be aware of as they enter the district? What skills, qualities or characteristics should the new superintendent possess?

The answers will be compiled into a report and posted on the firm’s website for review by potential candidates. For those who missed it, an online survey is live on the district’s website with the same four questions posed during the forum.

For the first question, community members, parents and teachers present during last week’s meeting gave answers varying from the quality of life and low crime rate, to diversity and arts. Other answers include access to recreation with the mountain and the lake, the Festival at Sandpoint, pedestrian friendly area, an “amazing” public library, and interesting area history. It is also a “great place to raise a kid,” said one community member. Those are just a few of the many answers given.

For the second question regarding good things about the district, answers included high-quality teachers and staff, unique programs such as the Homeschool Academy, access for students to career-technical and experiential learning programs, an “excellent” special education program, the number of parent volunteers and, among other answers, Panhandle Alliance for Education and other organizations that support the schools. A number of local programs and opportunities available to students in the schools and community were listed as well.

As for issues in the community that a superintendent might face, the top answer was the supplemental levy process the district undergoes for 30 percent of its funding every two years. Other issues include facilities, lack of infrastructure, drugs in the community and schools, bullying, lack of “quality” technology, poverty, cost of living and more.

Finally, characteristics listed by those in attendance include passion and a willingness to think outside the box, good listening and communication skills, vision, action and community involvement, as well as a willingness to move the district forward when needed, but also to keep things in place that are working well. A good leader, thick skin and a sense of humor were a couple more answers.

Earlier in the day on Thursday, the consultants met with LPOSD trustees to find out the characteristics they would like to see in a candidate as well. Many of the answers mirrored the community members, particularly in looking for someone who is an experienced leader with the ability to listen and communicate. They also said a superintendent should be patient, innovative, supportive of rural schools, well versed in bond and levy issues, and comfortable with conflict, among others.

The comments by trustees will be narrowed down and added to the job listing, which is already up on the firm’s website with a note that there is “more information coming soon.” Bill Dean said they hope to have a short list of candidates ready for interviews by June 6. Because of the short notice, the district is simultaneously looking for a one-year interim to fill the position in case a suitable candidate is not found in time.

The survey, which closes Friday, can be found on the district’s website at lposd.org.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.