CLARKE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Osceola, Iowa
Stakeholder Input
Executive Summary
On January 22, 2013, consultants Dr. Richard Sundblad and Mr. Dennis Bahr conducted meetings representing nine different groups associated with the Clarke Community School District. We received input from approximately 80 individuals in these nine groups. Input was gathered regarding the selection of a new superintendent for the Clarke Community School District.
Outlined on this page and the next two pages, is an Executive Summary of the major themes expressed by the participants at these sessions. Following the Executive Summary is a compilation of all the input received from these groups and individuals in response to the four questions asked of each. These responses are reported for each question as they were received and read back to each group. The final section of the report will consist of responses by individuals who completed the online survey and responded to the same four questions.
1. What are the greatest assets of the Greater Osceola Community? (This information is used to help us recruit quality candidates.)
Ø Location—on Interstate 35 and Highway 34, Amtrak, bus service, and is close to Des Moines, Kansas City and Omaha
Ø Clarke CSD is a growing district
Ø There are a large number of businesses and industries in Osceola with significant variety which is a great asset
Ø Osceola embraces a diverse population
Ø Osceola is a progressive community led by a strong Economic Development Corporation established in 1969
Ø Osceola is in a good location geographically, It is the hub of south central Iowa
Ø Southwest Community College has a positive presence in the community
Ø There is excellent leadership in the community that is aggressive and progressive
Ø Osceola is a supportive community which assists members in the community with significant needs
Ø The community supported the development of a new Clarke County Fair grounds
Ø Excellent hospital and health care are available to community members
Ø The people of the community are its asset and very supportive
Ø Offers all the services of a larger community so all the needs of an individual or family can be met in Osceola
2. What are the strengths/assets of the Clarke Community School District? (This information is used to help us recruit quality candidates.)
Ø The school district is growing (grew by 49 this past year)
Ø The Leader In Me program is excellent and consideration is being given to using it K-12
Ø Facility improvements have occurred (new tennis courts, auditorium, replacement of roofs, new weight room and wrestling room, track and football field improvements to name a few)
Ø One-on-one I-Pad program
Ø Excellent band and music program
Ø Partnership with SWCC for dual credit classes
Ø Good students and diverse student population
Ø Good community support for the students and the schools
Ø Excellent staff
Ø Clarke has the only Building Trades program in the region
Ø District is healthy financially
Ø Numerous extra curricular opportunities for the students (athletics, clubs)
3. What are the most significantdistrict, community or state issues the selected person will face and need to deal with in order to be effective immediately? (This information is shared with the final candidates.)
Ø Maintaining a strong financial position
Ø Space issues to deal with growth and class size
Ø Initiating and supporting programs for a diverse population
Ø Open enrollment out—Why do students choose to leave?
Ø How requirements from the state will impact district
Ø Long term facilities plan needs to be developed—improvement or new—bus garage—high school needs upgrading
Ø Improving the overall image of the district. Want people to see it as excellent and a place they would move to and send their children to school
Ø Bullying needs to be a focus at every level and with adults in the system as well
Ø Schools relationship with the community needs to be addressed. Relationships with critical friends in the community need to be developed and nurtured—Community trust in the leader needs to be developed
Ø Rigor and relevance of the curriculum
4. What characteristics are most important in the next superintendent of the Clarke Community School District? (This information is used as we screen potential candidates.)
Ø Someone who will be visible in all buildings and engaged in the schools—high energy
Ø A great communicator—the ability to connect in written form, verbally and listen well—has good public relations and represents the district well
Ø A person who is approachable—who will reflect on issues and give a thoughtful response—has high expectations
Ø Knowledgeable and skilled in school finance
Ø A person who will choose to live in the community—engage in community events
Ø A person who is clear in their communication and transparent
Ø A person who supports and honors ongoing programs, but also looks for ways to make the district better
Ø Someone with a sense of humor and is genuine
Ø A person with strong educational experience
Ø Need a positive business professional that motivates and can impact the direction that the school is going.
Ø Someone who promotes the school and the good things occurring in the school
Ø A leader who leads by positive example—a motivator
Ø Someone who is welcoming and inspiring to the extent that people look up to them
Ø Someone who can work well with the board and provide strong leadership for the board
Ø A visionary leader—leads in an optimistic manner
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