The Warren County R-III School Board hosted a community forum Sept. 12 in hopes of gaining feedback in its search for a new superintendent.

A dozen people were in attendance at Rebecca Boone Elementary to hear Missouri School Boards’ Association representative Brent Underwood explain the process and share ideas.

Underwood has been contracted by the district to spearhead the campaign and filter candidates. There were 21 applicants representing five states for the position vacated by the retired Dr. Jim Chandler.

“We are coming off a rough patch management-wise,” said Underwood. “We have a pool of candidates who have been successful in that position. The question is can they come here and be successful in that role.”

Community members gave suggestions about what they feel are the most important qualities in a superintendent. Suggestions included having a leader instead of a manager.

People also shared concerns about having a superintendent who not only works in the district, but is also immersed and engaged in the community.

One person in attendance shared his desire to have a leader who draws quality teachers to the district instead of causing them to leave.

R-III has struggled to retain teachers in recent years, but has worked to improve that situation with more competitive salary and benefit packages.

“On our survey results the No. 1 challenge or concern was about staff retention,” said Underwood. “That’s about culture, reputation and working conditions.”

Community members also emphasize the importance of having a superintendent with the same mindset to stay for the long term. Another attendee mentioned her desire to have an individual who sees this as a place to build a career or retire versus a step on the career ladder.

Other ideas shared during the forum included the need to eliminate nepotism, hire a superintendent who can claim some early wins and who is strong in curriculum.

“I feel really good about the candidate pool we have here,” said Underwood.

The board hopes to have a new superintendent named by the beginning of the second semester.

The Warren County R-III School Board held a community forum on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Rebecca Boone Elementary. The event was hosted by Missouri School Board Association representative Brent Underwood, who is leading the search for a new superintendent for the district. The forum was held to gain feedback from community members about what qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe.