Community Weighs In on Superintendent Search

As the Churchill County School District moves forward in selecting a new superintendent, community members have outlined clear priorities for the district’s future leadership.

As part of the search process, Keith Lewis and Dr. David Jensen of ModernEducateHR presented results of the community survey during the last board of trustees meeting on Feb. 17. ModernEducateHR has been contracted to assist in the search to fill the position that will be open when current Superintendent Derild Parsons retires June 30. The firm works with schools and districts by addressing workforce challenges, streamlining recruitment, and improving staff retention.

Dr. Jensen explained that the survey asked stakeholders about their priorities and what they would like to see from the superintendent during the superintendent's first two to three years. “The four highest priorities were around staff development, improvement, and retention, academic achievement, financial stability, and school safety and student well-being.”

According to Jensen, 260 respondents participated in the survey conducted Jan. 14–31. Respondents included parents, district employees, students, community members, and business or civic partners.

Parents and guardians made up the largest group of respondents at 46 percent, followed by district employees at 33 percent. Community members accounted for 8 percent, business and civic partners 5 percent, students aged 14 and older 4 percent, and 4 percent selected “other.” Respondents were allowed to choose more than one category.

Superintendent Qualities: "Integrity and ethical leadership were the top qualities identified," Jensen said. "The community is signaling that honesty and ethics are non-negotiable." More than 95% of respondents rated integrity as highly important for a superintendent. Transparency and accountability received high rankings, with strong communication skills, trust-building, and commitment to student achievement also listed as key qualities for a superintendent. 

Critical Experience Areas: Survey respondents valued experience as a teacher or administrator the most. Student safety, crisis management, financial planning, and budgeting were also cited as important. "Stakeholders want someone familiar with classrooms and schools, who can manage budgets and safety, especially in a rural context," Jensen said.

Leadership Approach Priorities: According to Jensen, the community wants difficult decisions made transparently, shared decision-making, and clear direction. "They want someone who can navigate political, fiscal, and community pressures, relying on data-informed decisions," Jensen said.

Desired Characteristics: Professional experience requirements included recent classroom teaching—ideally within the past 10 years—and building-level administrative roles, such as principal or assistant principal. Respondents emphasized financial management, specialized education knowledge, crisis management, and instructional leadership.

Critical Concerns: The survey identified critical concerns: staff retention, student safety and behavior—particularly at the middle school level—budget deficits, and academic performance below state standards in English language arts and math.

Three-Year Expectations: Additionally, respondents said that success after three years should be measured by improved staff retention, academic growth, and financial stability, with no more crisis cuts. Other indicators include reduced bullying, better behavior management, increased community trust, a clear district vision, and staff empowerment.

Advice to School Board: The board was urged to prioritize longevity and select a candidate committed to staying. Many encouraged looking beyond résumés to focus on character and leadership style. While some supported local candidates, respondents also advised openness to outside perspectives and avoiding politics in decision-making.

Survey findings will guide the board’s superintendent search, ensuring alignment with district priorities and community expectations.

The district has received 13 applications, according to Lewis. ModernEducateHR said all screening interviews will be completed by Feb. 24. The board will interview the top five or six candidates at a public meeting on March 26. Second interviews will follow, and trustees will make a hiring decision if they find an ideal candidate to replace retiring superintendent Derild Parsons.