Approximately 13 people, including some school board members, attended the community forums/listening sessions, and approximately 20 staff members participated in the staff forums/listening sessions. Eleven students participated in the listening session for students. The forum/listening session attendees were asked the same five questions. Their responses to the questions:
Approximately 13 people, including some school board members, attended the community forums/listening sessions, and approximately 20 staff members participated in the staff forums/listening sessions. Eleven students participated in the listening session for students. The forum/listening session attendees were asked the same five questions. Their responses are listed below:
1.What are some of the good things taking place in the Crookston school district today
Positive feedback from parents regarding staff, programs, etc.
Our kids
Parent support
Range of after school programming opportunities
Good, quality staff new and veteran members across the district and years of experience
Full range of high school extra-curricular opportunities, including sports, band/choir, and academic options, such as Knowledge Bowl, orchestra
Range of electives, strong industrial technology program, build-a-house
Diversity of our community
Fairly small class sizes compared to other districts
Great special education department
Well-maintained buildings
Great kids
Generally great teachers, dedicated
District is a leader in the Midwest
Buildings are in good shape
Community is generally supportive of the schools – take pride in student success whether in academics, athletics, competitions, and music
Pirate Fine Arts Booster (PFAB), School Foundation, Pirate Boosters offer a lot of financial support
Good connections with outside agencies
Top notch staff from top to bottom
Great district
District offered looping option
Construction trades course – build a home program
Supportive community
School buildings in good shape right now
District offers more programming than most schools of similar size, such as orchestra, marching band, technology/industrial arts, etc.
Financially in very good shape
Good success with programming – a lot of kids go to state and regional competitions/events
District is a source of community pride – they step-up to help them out when needed/asked
District has added more college-in-the-school-type courses
District offers more options in general compared to similar size districts, including orchestra
Opportunities to go on trips such as Chicago to visit art museums, marching band to Disneyland, and language trips to Spain
Staff does a great job of getting students ready for college, etc.
2.What challenges to you see for the Crookston school district over the next five years?
Test scores need to go up
Renew referendum in about three years
Open enrollment
Growing number of students/families living in poverty and impact on learning and academics – balancing poverty-culture needs of the kids and understanding the needs of the kids
Needs of students extend beyond academics and include mental health-related concerns
Inadequate state funding
Attracting (recruiting) new staff (all positions)
Retaining new teachers
Finding substitutes for all positions, bus drivers, paras, teachers, school age child care, etc.
Clear vision for the district implemented in a cohesive manner
Community perception of the school district doesn’t match the data – marketing the school district to parents and schools around Crookston
Staff unity – teamwork- all focused and moving the school district forward in the same direction together – morale
Favoritism
Consistency
New leadership at building level
Keeping focus on education versus business focus
Continuing to offer level of programming district – maintaining enrollment and recruiting staff
Social media
Declining student enrollment due to open enrollment, home schooling, etc.
Diversity and effect of poverty on students and families – expectations due to changing family structures
Mobility rates and district located in county seat creates challenges
Health care costs and effect on contract negotiations
Technology-related concerns – necessary to prepare students for the future – but concerns include updating technology, costs, appropriate student use of technology
Marketing the school district strengths to community and surrounding areas
Maintaining pool and bus garage
Open Enrollment – note number of buses from other districts in town to pick up kids
Recruiting/retaining teachers and staff development options
Could be stricter when it comes to discipline
A lot of kids have left the district to go to school other places
3.What qualities/characteristics do you think an individual should have to be successful as the Crookston superintendent?
Instructional leader – someone who knows what works, is current, and understands teachers needs
Strong community focus
Visible, approachable
Team orientated but also able to make sound decisions
Fair and consistent in dealings with others
Honest and ethical
Strong communication and listening skills
Strategic planner and thinker, problem solver
Legal background
Legislatively current and astute
Supportive of teachers and administrative team
Personable
Fair, consistent
Prior superintendent experience
Heart and passion
Leadership skills
Collaborative – team player
Listen to different perspectives and understand
Be seen out in the community – be a part of the community
Truthful
Plan strategically – vision and direction
Likable, trustable, approachable, engage with others
Ability to navigate staff
Visible in the schools and community; recognizable by the community
Likes and cares about kids
Problem solver who recognizes issues the district has and attempts to solve them
Educational leader who knows trends, what to look for, what we should be doing, knowledge of all school levels
Grasp of legal issues
Good at district finances
Honest, trustworthy, treats people fairly
Leadership skills, visionary qualities, see the big picture
Consensus builder who will use committees when possible to vet issues
Personable, comfortable interacting with the public
Has “thick skin”
Effective communicator – all levels and people
Team player
Back up teachers on most issues
Listen effectively
Classroom experience
Be a big “teddy bear” but knows how to enforce the rules
Get to know the kids
Have good public relations skills
Leader who is not afraid to say what they feel
Have a vision and lead the way
Understand lots of different backgrounds
Be a listener
Change discipline – be stricter, consistent
4. What does the new superintendent need to know about the history and politics of the school district and community to be successful?
High turnover previous superintendents
Economy of the area and politics of the area are connected
School district size and number of offerings
Long-term thinking and/or planning is key to area
Understand what’s happened in the past
Ask questions
History of turnover of leadership
Strong union and outspoken union leaders who advocate for staff and students
Have ideas and hit the pavement running
Research prior to the job, do homework, ask questions
Have pride and show it
Understand realities of our area in the state and reliance on agriculture is political reality
Develop relationships with city and college – new Chancellor and new mayor
District hasn’t had a lot of meetings other than board meetings lately but open to meeting with city
Open enrollment is a big concern
First impressions are key – develops trust and confidence
Recognize Crookston is a small town
Active union
Community places high priority on music
Health and physical education have dropped in importance
Prepare for a bit of backlash at first but be patient – some may not embrace change
5. If you could say one thing to the next superintendent, what would you say?
Crookston should be a destination
Build connections with the community and surrounding areas
Be patient with us, let’s not change everything right away
Don’t take it personally
Be visible, have a presence, get to know the staff and students
Sincerity goes a long way: say what you mean and mean what you say
Listen
Ask questions
Welcome
There’s excitement for change
Invest time in the community and district
Good luck
Your experience is valuable
History of referendums has been good – the community will be behind you
So much pride in this town for the school – the community will rally around the school academically, artistically, athletically, etc.
Live in town
If staff is happy, you’ve got a happy school – listen and react
Rapport with staff is key – develop respect and confidence
Ask for help if you need it – community will help if needed, asked
Be visible
Be open minded
Listen – hear the person(s) out
Be neutral – be careful not to appear to take sides
Be active – show up at activities
Be seen
Good luck!
Expect the worst, hope for the best
Buy a hat and gloves – it’s cold up here
Hang in there – it takes time to change things/get to know people
Be strong, we support you coming here for us
Find balance between hard work and fun
Encourage involvement of kids in events/activities and be seen at events/activities
Take time to get to know the kids
Have fun
