SCOTTS VALLEY – A handful of parents and teachers told the executive firm looking for the school district’s next superintendent they want someone who is “people-friendly” and can rebuild trust with the community.
Leadership Associates, the group hired by the Scotts Valley Unified School District board to find a replacement for retiring Superintendent Susan Silver, held a public forum Tuesday as it prepares to recruit for the $136,000-a-year position.
Silver is retiring at the end of June after nearly six years with the district.
She has been praised by her supporters for improving student test scores and fixing a host of business problems such as the district’s past negative budget certification and reaching a $11 million settlement of the high school’s construction lawsuit.
About a dozen people attended Tuesday’s meeting at Scotts Valley Middle School to offer opinions on what kind of candidate would best fit with the four-school district.
The recurring theme voiced by parents and teachers revolved around trust and collaboration.
Longtime Brook Knoll kindergarten teacher Katie Bagley said it would be nice to have a superintendent who lives in Santa Cruz or Scotts Valley, which would better allow them to participate in community events and school fundraisers.
“I want someone to jump in there and pick up a shovel or go to a play,” Bagley said.
There was also a call to hire a leader who spends time visiting the individual campuses and can motivate staff.
Leadership Associates also met with the Scotts Valley City Council on Tuesday.
Mayor Dene Bustichi said he and his council colleagues raised similar concerns about trust and openness when talking with Leadership Associates.
“We all want to see someone people-friendly,” he said. “Hopefully today is a new day and we can move forward.”
The firm will begin advertising the superintendent opening next week. The deadline for applications is June 6.
The school board is scheduled to interview final candidates June 20 and 21.
