News-Record.com

A bit of everything, based on the online comments that were submitted in response to the school board's lengthy list of desired superintendent traits.

I took a look at the more than 200 comments submitted since Feb. 21 and the suggestions ranged from leader who would pursue more release time for religious activities to a someone who would staff schools with teachers and administrators from a wide variety of ethnic groups. Some even mentioned names of desired candidates, such as former Page High Principal Terry Worrell and Superintendent Sharon Patterson of Bibb County, Ga. (she was a runner up in 2006 for the national superintendent of schools award).

There were a few general themes. Many commenters said they wanted:

1. A superintendent who would improve discipline in the schools, particularly by kicking out disruptive students or at least placing them in an alternative learning environment.

One comment: "We should have zero tolerance in our schools for poor behavior and foul language. As adults we owe it to all kids to set a better example by enforcing consequences."

2. A superintendent who was not obsessed with numbers are career-building.

One comment: "Our leader needs to be concerned about learning and not numbers. A 2.9% drop-out rate does not indicate highly motivated students. It merely indicates that students over 16 are opting to stay in school where they are free to loiter, attend class at will, create constant disruption, and conduct their social and other business; and ultimately deny other students their right to an education."

3. A superintendent who better supports the arts.

One comment: "It is imperative that we continue to educate our children in differing art disciplines and thought processes; we must help children tap into their creativity so that our nation can survive in the global market."

4. A superintendent who will be more supportive of teachers, particularly by increasing the number of teaching assistants in elementary schools.

One comment: "I understand the decision to scale back or eliminate teaching assistants and try to limit class size based on findings that test scores rise with lower class sizes. While I think the goals is a worthwhile one, its implementation is flawed because it fails to consider the psychological effect on a teachernot to have another adult in the room for instructional differentiation, as well as temporary relief for a teacher or student who is losing it."