New London lays out timeline for superintendent search

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

NEW LONDON ? The pressure is on to find the next superintendent of New London Community School District. And as time is of the essence, the district?s school board has laid out an official timeline for finding their next leader by Feb. 16, 2016.

During their last board meeting on Tuesday evening, the board discussed and eventually agreed upon conducting superintendent interviews for all five candidates on Tuesday, Feb. 2 and Thursday, Feb. 4.

?Two of the candidates wish to remain anonymous, therefore we aren?t announcing the names of any of the candidates at this time,? said board secretary, Jessica Boyer in a written statement.

According to the board, the four interview committee groups chosen to conduct candidate interviews will be looking for someone who can set responsible budget goals, has a wealth of construction knowledge and experience, and somebody with a firm understanding of technology-based learning.

Other character qualities the school board is looking for are accountability, creativity, someone who is a good steward of the community and a team-minded worker. The board also desires their next superintendent to be willing to set roots within the district with aspirations to stay at the district long-term.

?We have a good pool of candidates,? said Jesse Howard during Tuesday?s meeting. ?I am looking forward to getting the interviews rolling.?

Making up the superintendent search committees include teachers Tina Garrett, Kari McAllister, Joe White, Deb Scott, Heather Sharp, Paula Bliven and Carrie Applegate. Community members Erica Pickle, Gina Anderson, Melody Raub, Bob McPheron, Tom Pry, John Fitzpatrick, Ella Francis and Riley Grogan also make up a committee. The school board collectively, along with school administrators Jon Munford, Scott Kracht, Allison Lair, Todd Palmatier and Boyer complete the final interview committee.

Once interviews have been finalized, the board will make an offer to their top candidate on Feb. 5, with a Feb. 8 deadline to receive a statement of acceptance from that candidate.

Besides talk of the ongoing superintendent search, the board also had a plethora of items to take action on including a list of personnel appointments and resignations. The board approved the resignation of two coaches, including middle school baseball coach, Ben Fry; and middle school volleyball coach, Jackie Houseman.

Appointments approved included high school golf coach, Greg Lerdal, Duane Blint as an assistant high school softball coach; Brad Helmerson as a head high school baseball coach; Brian Swafford as an assistant high school baseball coach; Mark McSorley as a middle school baseball coach; Mike Jones as a volunteer middle school boys basketball coach; and Hunter McIntosh as a special education associate.

Reports from both the middle school/high school principal and elementary principal were given, with some important event dates to be reminded of. District principals, Todd Palmatier and Scott Kracht, reminded the board that parent-teacher conferences would be held on Feb. 9 and Feb. 11. Palmatier also reminded the board that the school?s science fair is scheduled for Feb. 25.

In other news, the board approved the following action items:

? The 2016-2017 registration fees

? The 2016-2017 curriculum handbook, which only included minor changes

? An application for a student seeking part-time status

? The New London Journal was renewed as the dstrict?s official news publication

Due to President?s Day, the next regular February board meeting of the New London School Board will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., in the New London Community School District Board Room.