Washington School Board hosts public meeting as superintendent search continues
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter Washington Superintendent Roberta DiLorenzo, center, will retire at the end of this school year.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter A smaller than expected group turned out for a meeting held by the Washington school board to share input as the board searches for a new superintendent. Less than a dozen parents and residents participated.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter Pam Kilgore shares her thoughts on qualities she believes the school board should consider as it interviews candidates to fill the superintendent vacancy that will occur after dr. Roberta DiLorenzo, who has served as superintendent for 18 years, retires June 30.
Washington School Board held a public meeting Monday at Washington High School to gather input from parents and residents as the district searches for a new superintendent.
Superintendent Roberta DiLorenzo announced in December that she planned to retire June 30, after spending 20 years with Washington School District and 43 years in education. The school district has since initiated a search for a replacement.
Less than a dozen parents and residents attended the forum, where school board members asked them to share what characteristics they believe are needed in the next superintendent.
Pam Kilgore, a parent whose two children attend the school district, thanked DiLorenzo for her service to the school district and said she wants a superintendent who is passionate and committed to working with the community.
“I would not want your job for a minute because you have so many decisions to make and you’re never going to please everyone, and so I thank you for making those hard decisions,” said Kilgore. “What I would like to see in a new superintendent would be someone who continues the passion and drive to keep those ties with the greater Washington community and the school district, because we do live in a small community. I think we can’t forget that the school is part of the greater community.”
School district resident Robert Griffith, who expressed disappointment at the small turnout, thanked the school board for holding the meeting and said it is “important to engage the community when making a big decision.”
Griffith said he has concerns about future funding for public education, and he would like a candidate who possesses good leadership ability and can find creative ways to partner with the community.
Marsha Pleta, vice president of the school board, announced the school district has received 14 applications for the position. The district will conduct interviews the third and fourth week of February and the first week of March and intends to present a candidate for approval soon after the interviews are completed.
The school district also has produced a superintendent search survey that is available online (www.washington.k12.pa.us) and at the administration office. The brief questionnaire will help the board determine what qualities parents, staff and community members would like to see in the new superintendent.
So far, 157 respondents have filled out the survey.
The district plans to distribute the survey at upcoming school events and to send it home with students.
Pleta said it’s important to get as much feedback from people as possible.
“We’re going to do everything possible to make sure we present a wonderful candidate,” said Pleta.