M-P calls on community input for superintendent search

WELLMAN — In its efforts to replace longtime superintendent Mark Schneider, the Mid-Prairie school district has opened an online survey for community feedback, which will remain open until 5 p.m. on March 26 and can be accessed through the district’s website.

“I would suggest that all of you push the survey to your parents, your staff, there has not been huge activity with it so I’m hoping we can push that a little bit more,” district Human Resources Coordinator Carmela Ulin said to school board members and building administrators at a meeting Monday night. “This is their chance to say what they feel we’re doing well, talk about what we need to improve, and I hope people would do that now instead of after the fact.”

School board President Jeremy Pickard said community input was a vital part of the process.

“Mid-Prairie is known for and values our strong community support and engagement,” he said. “Providing a survey demonstrates the board's desire to hear form all stakeholders as we identify the qualities and attributes we want in our next superintendent.”

The survey — which asks respondents to identify important qualities and values for the new leader, among other questions — had only generated around 100 responses a week after its launch. District officials said they hoped to get that number up with families back from spring break.

“I know that the weekend it came out was right when everyone was traveling,” school board member Jed Seward said. “That’s probably why you’re not seeing a bunch of responses.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com