THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH included a community meeting at Loyalton gymnasium Tuesday night, July 9th.
Bob Ferguson, a former school superintendent from Napa, CA, of McPherson & Jacobson, asked the twelve people in attendance four questions concerning the community, schools, issues and attributes. Among issues brought up by attendees were the junior high and high school combined and the high school’s open campus at lunch with one parent asking, “We can afford an adult ed classroom but not a cafeteria?” It was stated the football field needs resurfaced and we need music and the half day of Wednesday was questioned.
Ferguson felt pluses outnumber concerns and stated, “My job is to make a decision for the Board.” Interviews will be held the 8th and 9th of August. There are now 18 applicants, 8 or 9 from out of state but he’d prefer to look only at those from California and “get the best people here.”
Under question, he said two applicants were local, who grew up in the area and both are now sitting superintendents which he called “very strong candidates.”
Parents want preference given someone here, dedicated to the community. He answered that the skill set for superintendent is different than for principals. “Let local be one of their scores,” stated a parent.
Ferguson had met with six groups that day with what he called “common concerns; nothing not attainable.”
The announcement of the finalist for Superintendent will be made at Board meeting August 13, 2019.
Dr. Merrill Grant resigned as of June 30th. Loyalton High School Principal Thomas Jones is Interim Superintendent at the current daily rate through the Superintendent search process.
Bob Ferguson, a former school superintendent from Napa, CA, of McPherson & Jacobson, asked the twelve people in attendance four questions concerning the community, schools, issues and attributes. Among issues brought up by attendees were the junior high and high school combined and the high school’s open campus at lunch with one parent asking, “We can afford an adult ed classroom but not a cafeteria?” It was stated the football field needs resurfaced and we need music and the half day of Wednesday was questioned.
Ferguson felt pluses outnumber concerns and stated, “My job is to make a decision for the Board.” Interviews will be held the 8th and 9th of August. There are now 18 applicants, 8 or 9 from out of state but he’d prefer to look only at those from California and “get the best people here.”
Under question, he said two applicants were local, who grew up in the area and both are now sitting superintendents which he called “very strong candidates.”
Parents want preference given someone here, dedicated to the community. He answered that the skill set for superintendent is different than for principals. “Let local be one of their scores,” stated a parent.
Ferguson had met with six groups that day with what he called “common concerns; nothing not attainable.”
The announcement of the finalist for Superintendent will be made at Board meeting August 13, 2019.
Dr. Merrill Grant resigned as of June 30th. Loyalton High School Principal Thomas Jones is Interim Superintendent at the current daily rate through the Superintendent search process.
