The importance and value of the school to the community, as well as the attractiveness of Pea Ridge, overwhelmingly impressed Dr. Paul Hewitt after two days of interviews with both school personnel and community members.
“I was overwhelmed by the friendliness and openness of everyone I met,” Hewitt wrote in his report to the School Board.
Hewitt, a professor at the University of Arkansas, was hired as a co-advisor to the board for their search for a superintendent.
“I’ve found a really great group of teachers, talented administrators ... Pea Ridge is a place for life-long relationships,” Hewitt said.
During his interviews last week, Hewitt asked two questions: What are the personal qualities and characteristics that you’d like to see in a new superintendent? and What professional skills and abilities does that person need to have to be successful in leading the district?
“There is a treasure here,” Hewitt said. “There is an incredible amount of professional competence coupled with a tremendous amount of humility.
There are good people capable of doing anything they want.
There is not a sense of aloofness or arrogance.”
“This place has a lot of promise and a lot of potential.”
Hewitt noted that finding a superintendent is about finding a good leader who is a good fit for the community.
At their regular meeting Monday night, School Board members approved a tentative time line for the search with the first step preparing a brochure outlining criteria desired in a new superintendent. The board also approved advertising that the salary would be “competitive” with districts in the area and will be a multi-year contract. The board hopes to have a new superintendent hired by April.
Hewitt said that he interviewed about 80 people, but welcomes input from anyone in the district, asking that further information be e-mailed to him at [email protected].
News, Pages 1 on 11/16/2011