By Bob Wright-Editor
May 08, 2008 10:57 am
—
The “Search Engine” cranked up Tuesday evening as a school patron audience, cut short by conflicting events throughout town, made statements at invitation of Dr. Russell Marshall, representative of Arrow Educational Services.
The search firm heard from the community Tuesday at a meeting held in the schools’ Administration Building. The timeline for selection of a successor to Charlene Simpson could result in selection of a Superintendent by sometime in June.
Dr. Marshall, Superintendent of the Mabank Independent School District, is a part of the search firm, which is based in Henderson. He first explained the process of how the firm operates in attempting to locate a “good fit” and developing characteristics of a person to fill the position. Afterward, he took statements from the audience, and explained that what takes place from community and Mexia ISD teachers and other staff members will provide some “important input” as to what is sought in the ensuing school leader of the district.
Dr. Marshall said that some applications had already been received, but that a profile must first be developed before he “brings names before the school board.”
Ada Conner, a former school board member here, suggested that in the past “there has been a trickle-down effect,” and said it’s her opinion that “This has not worked” to the advantage of the school district. Names were called - Dean Andrews, Larry Devitt and Charlene Simpson. Citing “Many good experienced teachers have left during the tenures of Andrews and Devitt,” by another patron, it was suggested “It might be time to go outside the district for a Superintendent.” Andrews was brought in by another school board. Devitt was promoted after Andrews left. Simpson was promoted after Devitt was forced out.
Another patron recalled that 36 teachers left the district one of those years.
One community member wondered aloud if the reason it seems that so many teachers leave could be attributed to money, “or maybe they were just unhappy here. Seems like there just needs to be more stability.”
Another patron also told Dr. Marshall that, “It seems like the ‘good-old-boy system is alive and well in Mexia,” citing his observations that “A lot of the time it appears that Administrators are not approachable, and sometimes it seems that the school board is the same way.”
Another person in the audience suggested that a Superintendent be chosen, one who will spend some time and get to know their teachers.
Another person noted that, “Here we have some great students and there are some outstanding teachers.”
Dr. Marshall said the next Superintendent is gonna’ have to be special, especially in view of actions by the State Legislature, which is demanding more from school districts. He or she must have an understanding of how to pay for what is required from the State - a good grasp of school finances, if you please.
There are many attributes being sought for whomever will lead the district. This search firm is mindful of this, and is beginning the arduous task of bringing before the board “solid names.” Once they have these names, the board will then make what it considers to be a wise choice. Mexia school district patrons should demand no less, one spokesman has told The Daily News.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.