What do the people of Manhattan and Ogden want in a new school superintendent? That was the question at forums held throughout the day Wednesday at the USD 383 Administrative office.
Randy Weseman is the Director of Operations and Budgets for the Kansas Association of School Boards and he conducted the forums, including one at noon geared toward parents and community members.
Andrea Auckly was one of eight people who showed up for a parents and community forum Wednesday, regarding desired qualities and qualifications in a school superintendent as Manhattan/Ogden USD 383 begins its search for a replacement for retiring Superintendent Bob Shannon. Auckly has two children in the district and a husband who teaches math at Kansas State University.
Auckly mentioned hopes that the new Superintendent can take the district and move it up a level. Innovative, inclusion, integrity, and being a sound financial manager were also mentioned as important characteristics.
The group at noon talked about strengths including strong teachers who care about students and who are good at what they do… as well as solid drama, arts and music programs…but also examined critical needs such as growth and diversity and alligning the budget to all students needs.
Fort Riley, the University, and staff members from the district also participated in the forums.
Weseman tells KMAN the KASB conducts a majority of these types of Superintendent searches in the state of Kansas.
January fourth is the closing date for the applications. On the sixth the Kansas Association of School Boards will look through all the applicants and make recommendations–although it will be the 383 board that makes the final decision. Hopes are to start interviews the week of January 1th.
