The new superintendent of schools in Geary USD 475 needs to have a strategic plan, needs to become acquainted with community leaders and it would be good to see someone hired with experience with special education. Those were some of the ideas submitted by the public Wednesday night to consultants who are spearheading the search for a new superintendent.

Brenda Dietrich, a consultant with Ray & Associates, said over the past two days the consultants had met with 17 different constituent groups. “What we’re hearing are some common themes about the next superintendent, the qualities and characteristics that folks want to see in that person. Probably first and foremost is some who is very visible and engaged in the community and in the schools and is a strong leader.” Dietrich added they want that leader to give vision and direction to the district, set high standards, be collaborative and approachable and has the best interests of the student in mind.

The importance for the new superintendent to become acquainted with the leadership at Fort RIley, and for the superintendent to be seen in the district’s buildings were two other key point by members of the audience attending the Wednesday night session at Junction City Middle School.

Dietrich said the consultants will compile all the information they have received the past two days and from an online survey the public has been taking, and bring that back to the Board of Education on October 1st “The application opens on October 2nd and will be open for 30 days.” They will return to the Board on November 18th with a pool of candidates for them to consider to interview.”

The goal is for the Board to hire a new superintendent by the winter break of this school year. It’s possible the new superintendent might not start working in the district immediately, but could begin on July 1st, 2019.