DeKALB – The search firm hired by DeKalb District 428 to find a new superintendent presented results from multiple focus groups, saying that respondents had an interest in hiring a superintendent to commit to diversity and inclusion.
Robert Hammon made the presentation, following up on an Aug. 5 meeting with the board.
“The overriding thing is the diversity of the community,” Hammon said. “There is a commitment to address that diversity and to commit to improving quality and inclusion in the community and the district.”
Hammon also laid out a timeline that would have the board select three to four finalists on Nov. 30, with preliminary interviews set for Dec. 7 and the final round Dec. 14.
Hammon said more than 70 shareholders met in sit-down focus groups, and 453 community members took part in a survey that asked them to select 10 qualities out of 33 presented.
The theme of the focus groups, Hammon said, was diversity and inclusion. There were other qualities mentioned that were less specific such as communication skills and the ability to bring out the best in students.
Hammon presented 11 results from the 33 qualities survey, which he said had a lot of overlap between the board’s choices and the public’s.
Hammon said one of them was a commitment to experience to deal with all races, genders and socio-economic groups.
Board member Samantha McDavid then raised a concern with the wording “dealing with,” and Hammon said they modify that language.
There was also an item that said the candidate should be in tune to the cultural diversity of the community. Hammon said another key point was using data-driven recommendations.
Currently, Ray Lechler and Griff Powell are serving as interim superintendents since taking over for Jamie Craven.
In a discussion about amending the contract with the district’s school bus provider, First Student, Powell asked if transportation could be in place if the district decided to return at the start of the second quarter, October 26.
“If we had a modified hybrid, which would be an A/B schedule for K-5 and minimal in personal activity for six through 12, would you have the staffing?” Powell asked.
Ladel Cass, district manager for First Student, said it may involve relocating drivers from other areas but gave what Powell later characterized as a qualified yes, to which Cass agreed.
The board also unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2020-2021 budget. The student fee waiver, Carpenter said, was about $739,000 less revenue. Carpenter stressed the fluid nature of the budget this year, with not knowing exact COVID-19 related revenues and expenditures.
Board member Jeromy Olson asked if the district was basically operating at a $600,000 loss, accountable to the loss of student fees.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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