By Sarah Vogelsong
CP Reporter
The auditorium was noticeably empty at a public hearing held by the School Board Thursday night for citizen comments on the division’s search for a new superintendent. At times it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop as the School Board and the smattering of residents and staff members in the audience lingered, hoping that more people would wander in and offer their input.
Both of the two citizens who spoke Feb. 12 emphasized their desire for a new leader who could communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents, and stakeholders at all levels of the division.
“Moving forward, I think it’s important that we consider a candidate who has great vision for our county, for our students, someone who is collaborative both with staff, students, community members, the Board, and the Board of Supervisors,” said Kim Haislop, a parent and Caroline County Public Schools employee.
She also expressed the opinion that CCPS has “some issues with school spirit and pride” that she thought “leadership can certainly tackle.”
For parent Kim Hayward, finding someone who can increase student test scores and the quality of educational programs, particularly in math, is key.
“The way our country is going, … I think we need to focus more on math and bringing our math capabilities up,” she said.
Both Haislop and Hayward remarked on the challenges CCPS faces in securing needed funds in a legislative environment that for a number of years has been marked by budgetary constraints, with Haislop urging the School Board to select a candidate who can “continue to fight the good fight for adequate funding.”
While the School Board members expressed their appreciation for those who did attend the public hearing, their disappointment at the low turnout was clear.
“If people don’t let us know what their wishes are in looking for a new superintendent, then we can only go by what we have,” Vice Chairman Nancy Carson said.
In the wake of the announcement that current superintendent Gregory Killough had accepted a position as superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools, the School Board has taken several steps to include citizens in the decision-making process for hiring a new superintendent. A survey related to criteria for the position was circulated online and through the schools and libraries.
“We wanted to have the community be a part of this,” Chairman George Spaulding said.
In addition to public input, the School Board has engaged the Virginia School Boards Association for assistance in its search. Spaulding said that the School Board hopes to receive applications from candidates between Feb. 23 and March 20 and to conduct interviews in April and May.
Killough’s last day as superintendent will be June 30.
A special meeting of the Board to review the results of the surveys and comments from citizens was scheduled for Feb. 16 but canceled because of an incoming snowstorm. The meeting has not yet been rescheduled.
After the meeting, Spaulding emphasized that the School Board would take its time to find the right person for the division, whether or not he or she had a doctorate.
“We’re not in a hurry to go out here and get anyone off the street,” he said.