By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
On Monday, the Hays USD 489 Board of Education interviewed its third candidate for the superintendent position, Fred Dierkson.
During his hour-long session with the public, he said it was likely his length of service at other schools would set him apart from other candidates.
“My intention in any move is not to be a job hopper, and so I think my continuity is what I can offer,” Dierkson said.
He also cited his familiarity with the area as a benefit.
Dierkson has family throughout western Kansas, including a son who teaches in La Crosse, and has spent time at Fort Hays State University, earning several endorsements and a master’s degree from the school.
“I’ve always loved Hays. It’s been a place I’m very familiar with and have enjoyed my time here today,” he said.
He also said his professors at FHSU had a lot to do with the direction of his career.
Dierkson currently serves as the Sterling USD 376 superintendent, a position he has held since 2003. He previously served as principal at Jetmore Grade School for eight of his 15 years in that district.
While the appreciation for the area is a driving factor his interest in Hays, Dierkson said, more importantly, a move to Hays would be a way to further his professional goals.
“I desire for personal and professional growth, and I see that opportunity here,” he said, noting he loves the Sterling district, but at only 520 students opportunities for growth are limited.
But that smaller size, he said, is not a factor in the difference between Hays and Sterling district operations as processes and procedures are the same.
“The size of the school isn’t as important as making sure all of the accomplishments are met,” he said.
An additional bonus Dierkson would bring to USD 489 is his familiarity with bond issues, after passing a bond to build a new K-6 facility in the Sterling district.
“It was just a matter of timing, but the need was definitely there,” he said as community members in Sterling weighed facilities needs against the fondness for the old building.
Hays, too, he said, was in a similar situation, but the need to pass a bond issue to address facilities was evident after touring the district.
“In going through the district, I saw facilities and the maintenance and facilities crews were doing the best that they can, doing all that they can, but I have no question now having seen it that the need exists for the bond issue,” he said.
Dierkson said people in the Hays community who might doubt the need for the bond to pass should visit the facilities to see the needs for themselves.
“You’re to a point that Band-Aids are not going to solve all the problems, and I definitely hope this is something the community is aware of,” he said.