NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
The final item added to Monday’s NRHEG school board meeting agenda was “Approve the Formation of an Acting Superintendent Search Committee.”
Earlier, the board had approved the resignations of Secondary Administrative Assistant Michelle Mulder, paraprofessional Nikki Schiell, Speech Pathologist Amanda Scharfe, Sandy Schumacher, and Dr. Dennis Goodwin, all with gratitude.
Goodwin had tendered his resignation Friday evening.
“I contacted the Minnesota School Board Association this morning,” Chairman Rick Schultz told the board, “and they suggested the option of hiring an interim superintendent for a term of one year, and then conducting the search for a permanent replacement around Dec. 2015-Jan. 2016.
“We should form a committee to search for an interim superintendent, advertise the position as soon as possible, and, with guidance from the MSBA, receive applications.”Schultz offered the options of seclecting a committee or holding a workshop to conduct the search.
“I would like both board and staff involvement in this,” said Schultz. “Are you comfortable with having a committee take care of this, or would you prefer a workshop setting?”
It was discussed and the members registered satisfaction with giving it to committee.
An interim superintendent selection committee was appointed, composed of Schultz, Mark Tollefson and Travis Routh.
“The time frame is tight,” said Schultz, “but I’ve been assured we do have time to select a candidate.”
The MSBA can assist with a list of potential candidates from whom to select interviewees.
It was mentioned that neighboring districts may also be able to help in the interim.
“We are required to employ a superintendent,” said Schultz, “but we could share one.”
Mark Tollefson suggested that a superintendent from a neighboring district could also be of temporary help if there were a gap between the end of the interim superintendent’s term and the beginning of the new permanent administrator’s term.
Schultz re-emphasized his desire to have everyone involved.
“I do see this as a board project. This is our most important job, providing good management, doing what’s best for the district.”
“What if the interim candidate works out, and wants to stay?” it was asked.
“If they work out, they would still need to reapply as part of the real search and compete with the others,” said Schultz.
Secretary Lori Routh encouraged the committee not to wait before advertising the position, to do so right away, and also contact area superintendents immediately.
This will be the third time in eight years the NRHEG school district has had to look for a new superintendent. In late 2006 Kevin Wellen was selected as an interim superintendent to replace retiring Richard Lorenz. Wellen stayed on for a total of six years. When Wellen declined to renew his contract in 2013, the board engaged South Central Services Cooperative to conduct and supervise a search, which included public meetings, with the board and community members interviewing four candidates from which Dr. Goodwin was selected.
Now the process will begin again.
Earlier Monday, Dr. Goodwin spoke briefly with the Star Eagle.
“I’ve enjoyed the last two years here a great deal,” he told the Star Eagle. “I’m moving in order to be closer to my children and grandchildren.”
He had little comment about his action or its relation to the failure of the recent bond referendum.
Goodwin has accepted a position in Arizona.
MSHSL emphasizes mentoring
The renewal of the district’s membership in the Minnesota State High School League prompted the showing of an informational video to the board on the topic of “The Purpose of School Athletics.”
In the video, MSHSL representatives talked about the “win-at-all-costs culture” pervading much of school athletics today, and what to do to repurpose athletic programs to eliminate “zero-fun athletics” and re-integrate sports into the educational program.
One goal of athletics is winning, but the real purpose of school athletics is to teach life lessons, provide growth and development opportunities, and most of all to have fun.
Coaches are encouraged to concern themselves with the group experience, and to practice “transitional coaching,” in other words mentoring, so that athletics is a good experience instead of a stressful one.
Donations - Greenhouse
The district received $500 from the City of Ellendale for Community Ed. – Summer Rec; $50.20 from HyVee Floral for the Junior Class; and $2,000 from WFS for the Greenhouse Project.
“The funds are out there (for the Greenhouse project),” said Goodwin. “All we have to do is set up a meeting to discuss where to put it.”