The search is underway for a new superintendent for Callaway Public Schools, and the Board of Education is striving to make sure everyone has an opportunity to make their voice heard in the process. The board hired the Nebraska Association of School Boards to facilitate the search and on Nov. 28 a representative of NASB visited Callaway to host a series of meetings. Throughout the day and evening school staff and administration, and district patrons and staff, were invited to offer their input regarding the district, community, and superintendent position. A public meeting was held on Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, led by Shari Becker of NASB, with about a dozen community members in attendance. There were six questions that Becker sought input from the audience: What are the strengths and accomplishments of the school district?

What are the strengths or advantages of the community?

What challenges is the district currently facing?

What challenges will the district face in the next few years?

What background experience should the new superintendent possess?

What personal and professional qualities will be important in a new superintendent? Along with the meeting with the public NASB is also conducting a survey that the public is encouraged to participate in. That survey will remain open until Dec. 10 and can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/callaway Becker explained that the deadline for applications for the position has been set for Jan. 2, 2024. “Although the search did get started a little early there is a window in which people start applying, and it is a

cont. PAGE 3 - Hiring a Super little early yet,” said Becker. “There are very few openings right now. The interviews are going to be on Jan. 15, so we have some time.”

Becker said the last time a superintendent search was conducted in Callaway it was a very quick timeline. “We were bumping up against that March 15 deadline so we had to kind of hurry things along a little bit. But now we have the luxury of taking our time and really growing that applicant group. I would say by the end of January we should see somebody be hired for the position,” Becker explained.

One audience member asked if applications would be opened back up should a suitable candidate not be found in the first round. Becker said that is up to the board, but that the screening process will help with that. “If we got to a certain point we may look at some alternate ideas, maybe a situation where someone may do it for a couple of years. In education there is a shortage of everying, including superintendents,” said Becker. “We are hoping there will be plenty of quality people to interview but we will just have to wait and see. We definitely will have to be willing to alter course if that’s what we need to do. We don’t want the district to just hire somebody so they can say they hired somebody.”

Becker said that with Thanksgiving break now behind us they are starting to see a little more activity with the job listing. Once the job is opened up anyone who wants to apply can, and it is up to the board to weed out the applicants for interviews.

“I would say in a school this size the majority of applicants are only going to have only principal experience. They do have to have a certain level of certification to be a superintendent, but they could have a provisional superintendent certificate,” she explained. “I try to tell the board, let’s not draw a line in the sand and say we’re only going to hire someone with experience. You may find that the best fit for your community and stakeholders is somebody without experience. I would say they at least need to have some principal experience though.”

Becker told the audience that she and the school board have had conversations about particular qualifications and criteria they are looking for. That includes someone who is going to help prepare students for college or careers, and creating an environment where all students are going to thrive. Other important issues for the board include finding someone who will make the sports coop a priority, keep the facilities up to date, ensure the budget is sustained and the levy remains at a reasonable amount, and somebody who will be a good representative in the community. Honesty and transparency are also extremely important qualities that the board will be looking for.

As far as educational requirements, a superintendent has to have a specialist degree. That degree comes after a master’s, and Becker said oftentimes a doctorate and specialist degree are obtained at the same time. “You can be an active superintendent before you have completed your specialist degree and operate under a provisional, but that is up to the board.”

The interview process on Jan. 15 will involve different groups. There will be a district tour and a community tour, there will be some teachers involved and of course, the administrators and board will visit with the candidates. NASB will not be present for the interview process.

Public comments are still being accepted either through the online survey or by emailing sbecker@nasbonline. org. The Courier will continue to follow this story as candidates are selected and interviewed, and a new superintendent is ultimately hired.