Officials to interview additional candidates for superintendent

By Lynn Hotaling

"It's an incredible group," Queen said of the most recent applicants.

Sources indicate that two of those slated for the second round of interviews are from Western North Carolina school systems. Queen declined to confirm or deny the information.

Local board members have already interviewed six candidates who remain in consideration for the school system's top administrative post. That group, which was interviewed Aug. 1, includes three Jackson County administrators, another from North Carolina, and two from other states.

Board members decided Aug. 7 to seek additional applicants based on concerns that the original advertisements had not been widely disseminated, and that the perception across the state was that there was no need to apply for the position because the outcome was a "done deal."

"There was discussion around the state that it was a moot point," board member Ray Trine said before the position was re-advertised. "I want it known that we're actively seeking a superintendent. I think we got good applicants - we just didn't get a lot. I'm concerned that word didn't get out."

The second filing deadline was Friday, Sept. 9. School board members spent several hours Sept. 13 determining which of the new applicants they would invite for interviews, Queen said.

The sifting of superintendent candidates occupied the first few hours of an all-day school board work session held at board member Mary Jane Dillard's private family retreat at Grassy Creek. Other topics covered that day included a dress codes for both students and teachers. While student attire does not appear to be a concern at the present time, Queen said, it appears that a teacher dress code could be forthcoming.

"We want to bring more professionalism to our schools," Queen said.

Board members also discussed the possibility of applying for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds. This tax code provision from the Internal Revenue Service, passed in 1997, allows qualifying high-poverty school districts to partner with local businesses to design an academic program. Should this effort be successful, Queen said, funds received would likely be used to renovate the existing Scotts Creek School for use as a countywide alternative school.

Much of the afternoon was devoted to discussion with principals from the county's six schools with an emphasis on testing and curriculum, Queen said.

"We had a really exceptional meeting with the principals," Queen said.

Smoky Mountain High Principal Kenny Nicholson and Fairview Principal Sue Nations agreed that the meeting was productive and said they hope such idea exchanges continue.

Changes he and his staff at SMHS are considering include reallocation of some remediation money to create smaller classes for students who enter high school below grade level, Nicholson said. He also mentioned the possibility of a program designed to help freshmen adjust to high school.

Last week's forum presented an opportunity for open dialogue between school board members and principals, Nations said.

It was decided to reactivate the county's curriculum council, Nations said, because some decisions need to be made systemwide. Some examples she gave were remediation with regard to the new state-mandated fifth-grade gateways and required parent communications.

Both Nicholson and Nations said that board members and principals were aware that under the state's testing program more attention is paid to the under-performing students. The challenge is to somehow stretch the capabilities of students who are at or above grade level while still bringing scores up for those who lag behind.

"I think the way you improve scores is with a rich curriculum," Nations said. "You need lots of exciting things to offer students."

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