Superintendent search continues at Royal Valley

The search for a new superintendent at Royal Valley USD 337 continues, as board of education members recently discussed the results from several meetings with district staff, students and patrons regarding the district leadership opening.

Randy Weseman, Kansas Association of School Boards assistant executive director, met with the board last week to prioritize the characteristics sought in the new superintendent. 

Most everyone said they want a new superintendent like current one John Rundle.

On March 2, Weseman separately met with students, administration, classified staff, teachers and community members to discuss the current strengths and weaknesses of the district and what kinds of traits are needed for the new hire.

“What I heard most is that they want someone who is involved and active in their school and community,” Weseman said. “They said they have that now in their superintendent, and they want that to continue.”

Another priority mentioned was the ability to understand the diversity in the district with the Native American population, Weseman said.

“Other comments were someone who is an advocate for the community, is visible and approachable –someone they can talk to,” he said. “Someone who is a strong communicator, respectable and respectful of people. Someone who is going to move the district forward academically.”

Weseman said an understanding of the district budget was also mentioned many times.

“When I talked to your students, they really emphasized a respect between them and the superintendent,” he said. “They said that they are a family. I can tell that they are really invested in your schools.”

 Board member Jeff Stithem asked for clarification on what people meant by wanting a superintendent that is “visible” and if it would be unfair to require the new hire to attend every district activity.

“There’s an expectation in your community that the person will be at the basketball games. They like that and, to them, that’s evidence that he or she cares,” Weseman said. “The next person will have to understand that, whether they can be at everything or not. The staff, kids and parents see that as hard evidence that they care about the schools.”

Regarding strengths of the district, some of the comments included diversity, supportive staff, longevity of staff, small class sizes, good budgeting practices and an attitude of “thinking forward.”

One of the critical needs mentioned during the March 2 meetings were concerns with how far resources can be stretched, as well as hiring a new superintendent who understands unique federal regulations, maintains relationship with the diverse communities that make up the district, addresses declining enrollment in the district and maintains the district’s technology initiative.

Board member Boone Smith said he is concerned with the possibility of the new hire resigning after just a year or two. 

“We want to make this hire successful and long term, but there are no guarantees though,” Weseman said. “That’s why we are going over these characteristics so we can hone it down to the person that can do all these things. We want someone who is really going to put in the effort. You need to continually give them feedback. Those first 100 days are very critical. But you also need to manage your expectations and provide them support.”

Board member Linda Hegemann said she is optimistic about the search.

“I am confidant we’re going to find the best candidate for these kids, staff and district,” Hegemann said. “I know we will.”

The closing date for superintendent applications is March 25. The applications will be screened by a KASB committee based upon the prioritized characteristics. Wesemen said that he will then select three to five applications to present to the board during executive session on March 28 for their review.

From those, the board will determine how many candidates they want to interview. Weseman advised the board to release the names of the candidates to the public on the day they are interviewed.

“That kind of transparency makes people feel better. People are very interested in who is coming in to be interviewed,” he said. “I can’t promise you that I can give you candidates that are going to look like, behave like and be John Rundle. I can’t bring you another John Rundle, but we are going to get as close as we can to someone who can meet these characteristics.”