SBE Still Looking for a Principal

by Jenny Chissus

This past Tuesday, we had interviews in Seldovia for our principal position.  With over 50 applicants,  we were looking forward to meeting the four finalists, and weighing in.   The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has been following this hiring process for over five years, but since Sherry Hingley has been our principal since 2007, we have never had this opportunity to participate in the interview process in Seldovia.

I believe this is a great method, as not only did we have the chance to relay our  desires for the type of administrator and the concerns we have for our school and community, but we had the chance to participate in the actual interview process!  Many Seldovians submitted questions for the interview, as 8 of the 20 questions are normally taken directly from the community.  This is so important, as every location has concerns and issues that are specific to that school and community.  Dr. Atwater confirmed that this process is only used when hiring for administrative positions.

Unfortunately, after all the effort, from the initial meeting in Seldovia, the review of over 50 applicants, to the interview itself – we are back at square one!  After the careful review by staff of each applicant, results of the interviews, comments from the community, and the fact that two of the candidates withdrew, Dr. Atwater reposted the position on May 3, 2013.  Both candidates withdrew because they accepted positions in other schools!

Another big change is that Dr. Atwater has combined the Port Graham and Nanwalek Principal positions.  Our position in Seldovia is now posted as Principal/Teacher.  Dr. Atwater is confident that this will bring in even more interest for the position.  Many qualified applicants are not interested in working in two fly-in communities.  That is a lot of air time – especially in the winter – when the weather isn’t ideal!  There have been many days that Sherry Hingley couldn’t get to Port Graham – or was stuck in Port Graham overnight due to weather!  This will certainly free up this position to focus solely on Seldovia and our students!

I was happy that Dr. Atwater had a few minutes to answer my questions regarding our search for the right administrator – and I have relayed his responses below!  Thanks Dr. Atwater for responding to me on a Sunday!

Gazette: When you received our input, what did the community want to see in an administrator?
Dr. Atwater:  Experience working and leading small schools, an understanding of how to communicate with the public, a decision maker and someone with knowledge of the performance based system.

Gazette:  Were the desires expressed similar, or all over the place? 
Dr. Atwater:  Pretty consistent

Gazette:  As a superintendent – what do you feel is our greatest need in Seldovia, and our greatest challenge as a school? 
Dr. Atwater:  Seldovia’s greatest need and challenge is someone who can effectively work with all the factions in the community.   Also, what to do with the performance based system is a challenge.

Gazette:  We had almost 50 people at both the initial meeting (to let you know what we are looking for) as well as the interviews… What did that tell you about our community and our interest in the outcome of this position?
Dr. Atwater:  The high level of interest was impressive. I was thrilled to see such a high level of participation.  Clearly, the school is a top priority. 

Gazette:  After this interview process, what kind of responses did you get from the community regarding their choice in the candidates?  Did you have a good response? 
Dr. Atwater:  Yes, we had good feedback – the preferences were all over the place.

Gazette:  Will any of those 50 applicants be considered again this time? 
Dr. Atwater: Yes, and some of the applicants were less interested in a two-school principal position, and now that it is one school – more applications are coming in.

Gazette:  When will you have the interviews for the position here in Seldovia? 
Dr. Atwater: As soon as we have 3 candidates who are suitable to interview, I hope in less than two weeks.

Gazette:  What are the characteristics in a principal/teacher that you would like to see for our school/community?
Dr Atwater: Experience with multi-graded school, experience living off the road system, experience working with a variety of stakeholder groups.