Washington County Public Schools release superintendent search survey results

The next superintendent of Washington County Public Schools should be aware that violence in schools is increasing, teachers and staff have quit in the middle of the year, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major setback in learning, according to survey results released Thursday.

The survey respondents asked what they want in the next leader of WCPS and what that person should be aware of.

The Nebraska recruitment firm McPherson and Jacobson LLC, hired to help the school system search for a new superintendent, provided a 69-page report detailing the results of a survey on what the community, teachers, parents and students want in the next superintendent.

The online survey was posted on the WCPS website in April. A series of meetings were also held with students, staff, parents and other community members regarding the search for the next superintendent.

According to the survey report, the community wants the new superintendent to be aware of current issues at WCPS, ranging from the mental health of staff and students, student behaviors impacted by COVID-19, drug issues, and teacher recruitment and retention.

The next superintendent should have integrity, honesty, visibility and accessibility. He or she should have the skills to build relationships and be a good listener.

Those surveyed said they want "someone who is coming to WCPS to establish roots and become an integral part of the district and the community," the report states.

Awareness of the different areas of the county that have different cultures and belief systems was another feature mentioned by respondents.

The new superintendent should also have the ability to manage security in the schools and ensure teachers are equipped to manage security issues, the survey states. He or she must be willing to listen to everyone, and respond to constituents in a timely manner.

Community respondents also said they wanted a calming voice for education, while bringing empathy, equity, collaboration and inclusion to the school district.

What did the parents say?

Parents had plenty of thoughts to contribute, according to the report.

They want the new superintendent to be aware that violence in schools seems to be increasing, while students are not seeing that there should be consequences for their behavior.

Parents want more Black teachers to whom Black students can relate, along with a more diverse teaching staff overall.

Parents also want to have the opportunity to have control of their children’s education, and have the option not to take certain courses, the survey report states.

Some of them said said they feel WCPS is teaching kids that white is "bad" and the children who are Black are "oppressed."

Parents also said they want the next superintendent to be a female.

What did students have to say?

Students said they want the next leader of WCPS to realize that a lot of teachers and staff have quit in the middle of the year, impacting their education.

"A lot of teachers are trying to be our friends and we’re not getting our education," the survey report states.

Students want transparency from their next superintendent, and believe there is a disconnect between the Washington County Board of Education and the teachers.

Students said that teachers, because of the pandemic, do not feel appreciated or supported, so they are quitting and going to other professions.

What did teachers say?

Teachers themselves weighed in on what they want the next superintendent to understand.

"Unfortunately behaviors are out of control and the lack of family involvement plays a big factor into that," survey results state. "There are threats made or physical attacks on students and staff that make going to work uncomfortable for everyone, and there are minimal efforts taking place to help change these actions."

On a positive note, the schools have "great teachers, that are very dedicated," survey results state.

Compensation: Committee formed to recommend salary and benefits for next WCPS superintendent

Search begins: Washington County school board approves contract to begin search for new superintendent

Stepping away: WCPS Superintendent Boyd Michael announces his retirement, effective July 1

Reason for job search

Current Superintendent Boyd Michael announced during a school board meeting in March that he is retiring effective July 1.

Michael, 64, said he decided to retire to spend more time with his family, community, church, hobbies and interests.

Michael has served Washington County Public Schools for 43 years, the most recent five years as its superintendent.

Sherry Greenfield is an education reporter, covering Washington County Public Schools.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: WCPS releases survey results on the search for the next superintendent