By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
ELLIS — The hunt is on for the next leader of Ellis USD 388 schools.
During Monday’s Board of Education meeting, board members heard from Gary Sechrist, Kansas Association of School Boards leadership field specialist, who outlined the process for the board as it searches for the district’s next superintendent.
"I look forward to a busy and successful end of our school year as we support the transition to a new district leader," Burton said in the announcement.
He called his 16 years serving the district a “great honor.”
And while Burton leads the district through the end of the academic year, the board and staff will be busy working to secure his replacement.
The process began with four focus groups made up of faculty, staff and community members outlining what qualities the new superintendent should possess, along with an online survey.
Sechrist first shared with the board the qualities the groups wanted to see in the new superintendent.
“They want somebody that's personable, can easily build relationships and approachable,” Sechrist said. Honesty, trustworthiness and a student-first leadership style were listed as traits wanted as well.
Organization, accountability and consistency were also cited as desired qualities.
When asked to list a critical need or challenge the new superintendent should address, retaining staff and aging facilities in need of repair were reported as the biggest concerns.
The survey also questioned the participants to describe the single trait they would hope the board would use between one great candidate and another great candidate.
Along with positive personal qualities, Sechrist noted the groups reported wanting someone with ambition, attitude, professionalism and the right disposition for the job.
Experience was also desired.
With the information in hand, the board then heard Sechrist describe details of the process.
He noted, that first and foremost, the position would need to be a new hire, as no administrators in the district currently have the level of certification needed for the position.
The ability to find a candidate that has long-term ambitions was mentioned as a desire by board member Jared Schiel as the district has a number of exciting ongoing programs that would be attractive to a up-and-comer.
“I'm just trying to figure out a way that we can attract that young future superstar,” Schiel said. “If we can get somebody coming in here to give us four years, they're gonna have a chance to pass a bond right away. That's huge. That's huge for any superintendent.”
“You have a wonderful school district. You have some really exciting things that are coming down the pike,” Sechrist said.
But in finding that candidate, even someone new to the position, he warned the board frugality might not be beneficial when considering salary and benefit packages — as a shortfall of available superintendent candidates plagues the state.
“I do want to tell you, it's a superintendent’s market, whether you like it or not,” Sechrist said. “Every candidate knows what the current superintendent’s making, and they know your budget can handle it. So, you may not like that, but it might be the difference between sealing the deal and not. So, you need to be aware of that. I'm not saying you have to like it. I'm just telling you what the truth is right now.”
Applications are due to the district by April 24. Sechrist plans to meet with the board again on April 27.