The eleven people attending the second and final focus session soliciting public input in the search for a new USD 489 superintendent talked a lot about the school board members.

Many of the participants feel the board is “too business-minded” rather than education-minded and that the “perception of the board dynamics feels confrontational and rigid.”

School district staff and teachers as well as site council members were specifically invited to Tuesday night’s meeting.  Monday night’s event was open to parents and community members.  Both were held at Hays High School

USD 489 has hired Kansas Association of School Board consultants Gary Sechrist and Max Heim to conduct the superintendent search.  Heim previously served as a school superintendent for 28 years.

“It’s a tough job and the most difficult aspect is working with the board,” said Heim.

Heim will present the public feedback findings at the November 11 school board meeting.

Applications for the superintendent job are due January 6.

Below is the feedback from Tuesday’s meeting as compiled by Elizabeth Jaeger, USD 489 assistant to the superintendent and public relations coordinator.

KASB Focus Group_Parent-SchoolOrganizations