Fosters: Interviews under way for interim OR superintendent

Fosters reporter Roni Reino published an article today detailing recent progress by the ORCSD Board in the search for an interim superintendent:

Interviews under way for interim OR superintendent

By RONI REINO
rreino@fosters.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2011

DURHAM — Some Oyster River Cooperative School District board members are hoping to see more community input this year, while the search for an interim superintendent continues this week with more interviews.

Part of the potential 2011-2012 School Board goals, members have proposed hosting community forums to discuss the district's strategic plan, the permanent superintendent search and conflict resolution.

Member Krista Butts said she hopes these forums will give community members who may not feel they have a voice a chance to talk openly about issues. While public comments during board meetings "may not be everyone's cup of tea," she said forums will allow more conversation between the board and the public.

With many hot topics in the district, Butts and fellow board member Jocelyn O'Quinn said that as parents and community members, they can understand the passion coming from residents concerned about where the district is headed.

"We have lots of people that are passionate about education," O'Quinn said. "Sometimes that causes a rift in the community."

Many community members have come forward at School Board meetings speaking against board decisions. Butts said she hopes the forums will help the community voice their opinions in a manner that allows constructive conversation.

O'Quinn said she is excited about the sustainable ventures the district could be considering. As part of the Sustainability Committee, she said there has been a lot of talk on how to incorporate on-site gardening into food service practices and the possibility of eliminating bottled water from schools and installing a water filtration system.

School Board members are continuing to put together the School Board and budget goals. Some goals include supporting the district's Wellness Committee, principals and food service directors as they explore options for healthier meals. Another goal includes continued efficiency at board meetings and conducting a successful superintendent search and hiring a permanent superintendent.

Board members are currently interviewing candidates to bring forward to the community in a public session. Members have said finding someone for the interim superintendent position could come as early as next week. Butts said she has looked at many of the resumes and is pleased with the response.

"The process is ongoing and it's something I hope we move forward with soon," she said.

The board has not announced how many resumes it has received for the open superintendent position. Members have said at meetings they expect to hire an interim candidate and then begin a search for a permanent superintendent this fall for the following school year.