City school year opens with personnel moves

Louise Smith has been on the job as superintendent of Bogalusa City Schools for just a couple of weeks, but there are already changes being made.

On Friday, Smith announced a series of campus leadership changes that will become effective Monday.

BCS Supt. Louise Smith

In a letter to school district employees, Smith said, “Today, the District is announcing an important series of administrative changes that will help us build a more effective culture and accountability in our schools.  These changes, which will be effective as of August 1, 2011, are designed to improve student achievement and better leverage the strengths of our skilled staff members.”

The changes include:

            • Pamela Ard, the current Principal of Bogalusa High School, will take over as Principal of Byrd Avenue Elementary.  Ms. Ard’s wealth of knowledge in elementary curriculum and instruction, as well as her experience in our district at the elementary level makes her an excellent fit.  Ms. Ard is excited to have the opportunity to work with our Byrd Avenue Elementary students, parents, and staff.

            • Taking over as Principal at Bogalusa High School will be Bryan Stewart, recently appointed Principal of Bogalusa New Tech High School.  Mr. Stewart joined the District with an impressive resume, and he rapidly earned the confidence and respect of the Bogalusa High School students, staff, and parents alike through his position as Assistant Principal.  I’m confident Mr. Stewart will evoke the same response in his role as BHS Principal.

            • Lesley McKinley was appointed Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Bogalusa High School.  Mr. McKinley is a long-time district employee who has extensive secondary experience from his tenure as Bogalusa High School Disciplinarian and Bogalusa New Tech High School Resource Teacher. Mr. McKinley is eager to work with the students, faculty, and staff of Bogalusa High School, and he will be a tremendous asset to the school.

            • Don McDaniel, the current Principal of Bogalusa Middle School, will become the Principal of Bogalusa New Tech High School.  Mr. McDaniel’s long-term experience in education and dedication to faculty and students will enhance his effectiveness at BNTHS.

            • Taking over as Principal at Bogalusa Middle School, will be Tanja Varnado-Seal, current Principal of Byrd Avenue Elementary School.  Mrs. Seal’s extensive experience in curriculum and instruction, dedication to student success, and her history of making a major impact on student achievement by launching new and imaginative school programs makes her a perfect fit for BMS.

Smith also said, “Since the day I arrived in Bogalusa City Schools, I have been privileged to work with a skilled team of educational leaders.  The tremendous depth of experience and skill in the District is what makes me completely confident these moves, while extensive, will happen smoothly.  I believe these administrative changes will move our District forward and make a significant difference in student outcomes.”

(Published first at http://www.wpnewsblog.blogspot.com)

New BCS superintendent plans to start Tuesday

Louise Smith, 64, plans to start her job as superintendent of Bogalusa City Schools on Tuesday. Smith, who was selected last Friday evening, will be the third superintendent in the district in seven years. She replaces Ruth Horne, who abruptly resigned in mid-March, and was a finalist when Horne was hired in 2008.

Louise Smith

Smith was chosen by a 5-2 vote that followed racial lines, although trustee Eleanor Duke said she voted for Smith because of her open and direct approach.

"She told it like it was," Duke said. Duke also drew an audible response from the approximately 50 persons — most of them black — in the Media Room at the Central Office, when she said she felt either candidate could have done a good job.

Board President Paul Kates said that despite the candidate he favored coming out on the short end of the vote, his job was to try and get the district moving in a positive direction.

Despite period and spotty improvements in various tests, the Bogalusa system consistently is one of the poorer performing in the state despite the district spending the 15th greatest amount per student statewide.

"There's certainly no correlation with the money they (school system) spend and the results they get," a veteran school board observer noted.

Kates said he supported Lionel Jackson, who was previously unsuccessful in efforts this year to become a superintendent of the Monroe City Schools and also in St. Helena Parish, because he felt Jackson could have been successful going into homes and gaining community participation.

"I can't see her doing that," he said.

Some concerns have been expressed over threats to remove students from the district because of Smith's having been chosen over Jackson.

New BCS superintendent gives philosophy, goals

Louise Smith, who was selected as superintendent of the Bogalusa City Schools by a 5-2 vote on Friday, is ready to go to work.

Louise Smith, during her June 20 session
with community stakeholders in Bogalusa.
(File photo)

Despite the vote following racial lines, Smith had earlier said she felt she could work with anyone or any group and that she felt the demographics of the Poplarville (Miss.) School District and Bogalusa were similar enough for their to be similarities.

BCS board president Paul Kates, who said Friday, "Now that Mrs. Smith has won, we need to move forward for the children."

Kates said no salary was discussed during the executive session, but had earlier indicated a package that would reach the low six-figure range.

Both Kates, who said he supported Lionel Jackson, who is black, for the position, "because he is familiar with all of the laws, policies and procedures in Louisiana. The other person, the lady, is from Mississippi and will have to learn those things" and Raymond Mims, voted for Jackson.

Kates said he also favored Jackson because, "he said he would go into the homes and get parents involved."

About 50 members of the community were in a packed media room at the Central Office when the board returned after a 33 minute executive session and Kates called for a motion and vote.

Smith, who told interviewers her career goal was to become a superintendent, said she and her husband would relocate to Bogalusa as soon as feasible.

To help members of the community better understand her, she answered a series of questions for wpnewsblog:

1.     Introduce yourself to the community, as you would at a first-time public appearance:

I am Louise Smith - wife, mother, grandmother and educator.  All of these roles are important to me.  I am here today to talk about my role as an educator.  Education is the reason I am a responsible, productive person in our society.  I grew up under adverse conditions.  Educators instilled in me the desire to learn and work hard to achieve my potential and dreams.  I often wonder where I would be without powerful teachers who provided caring relationships, high expectations and opportunities to participate and contribute to the school and community.  I grew up knowing I would give back – I had to help other children find the hope and resilience they needed to succeed in life.  I have an undergraduate degree in social work, a master’s degree in education and a specialist’s degree in administration.  I have completed all work for the doctorate degree in education with the exception of a dissertation.  I love learning and I love watching our children grow and learn.

2.     Why do you want to become superintendent of schools in Bogalusa?

Becoming a school superintendent is one of my lifelong goals.  Bogalusa is just across the river from Poplarville.  Our demographics are similar.   I have made many trips to Bogalusa over the years to enjoy two of my favorite past times - eating and shopping.   I will use the skills, knowledge and insight from my diverse work experiences in education to turn the challenges of the Bogalusa school district into learning opportunities for students.  I firmly believe healthy schools build healthy communities.  I have been  successful in every education position I have held which includes: classroom teacher, principal, athletic director, federal programs coordinator, grant writer, loss control coordinator, sixteenth section land manager, staff development coordinator, test coordinator, technology coordinator, safe and drug free schools coordinator and alternative school principal. I will be a successful school superintendent and I look forward to working with students, families, educators and community members to build capacity and unlock the leadership potential in Bogalusa City Schools.

3.     Why are you seeking employment other than your current position?

I want to become a school superintendent.

4.     Summarize your current job responsibilities.

I write and administer grants for Poplarville School District and I coordinate our federal programs.  I work with teachers and support staff to build their professional capacity to serve our students and I help them find the resources, programs and strategies they need for success in the classroom.

5.     What are your strengths?

• Student focused
• Principled, collaborative leader
• Visible, accessible, hands-on leader
• Team player
• Communicator & Listener
• Fiscal Manager
• Committed to lifelong learning
• Informed decision maker
• Strategic planner
• Analytical Observer & Problem Solver
• Results oriented
• Resourceful
• Relationship/capacity builder
• Sense of Humor and Humility

6.     What challenges do you see in Bogalusa?

1.     Facilities

2.     Student Achievement

3.     Declining enrollment

4.     Accountability

5.     Transparency

6.     Stewardship

7.     Communication

8.     Leadership

7.     Your current district has a mixture of high performing, medium performance and low performance campuses … what needs to be done to get all campuses to the point where they are at least showing improvement and are not stagnant or in decline?

We will conduct a comparability study to determine why schools with the same demographics are not improving or growing.  We can do this by gathering and analyzing the data.  We will use results to implement best practices and research to ensure all schools are performing at high levels.  Improving schools is a matter of determining where the weaknesses are and working to correct them.

8.     Bogalusa has a reputation as a district where there is minimal parental participation. What can be done to effect change?

Research demonstrates family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance and reduces dropouts.  Bogalusa recently sent 26 cheerleaders to a camp at The University of Southern Mississippi.  These students represented the school district very well.  They were behaved and disciplined.  Families and school sponsors worked with these students to help them realize the importance of their conduct and appearance to outside audiences.  I will go to these families and the families of other students and ask for their input on providing family participation in the schools.  We must help families realize they are the greatest advocates for their children and our schools.  We will develop multiple outreach mechanisms to inform families about family involvement policies and programs through newsletters, slide shows, local newspapers, memos and other media.  We will make optimal use of communication technologies to connect with families.  We will send learning videos/DVDs home.  We will post press releases, calendars, school menus and other messages on the district web site.  We will provide a family resource center with a coordinator.  Families can use the family resource center to learn technology skills and gain skills and knowledge to help their children with school work.  Families can check out learning materials from the Family Resource Center.  We will organize family advisory committees and PTA Units.  We can connect with families through face to face meetings, school performances, extracurricular activities and home visits.  Families will be invited into our schools as volunteers and resource speakers.  We will provide capacity building, training and technical assistance to teachers and administrator to scale up innovative practices to reach more families.  We will provide innovative programming and services to families such as leadership training, nutrition classes, exercise classes and family literacy to remove barriers to family participation.   We will evaluate the effectiveness of family involvement activities and programs on a regular basis.

9.     Realizing all districts are different, and that you have not been in the district before, rank your priorities for Bogalusa from one through five, with one being the most important. Also, please briefly explain why for each.

1.   Student Achievement – Student achievement is important for the successful development of our children.  Students who achieve in school become responsible, productive citizens and achieve occupational and economic success.

2.  High quality teacher in every classroom – Research tells us the teacher is the number one variable in academic achievement of students.

3. Family involvement – Research tells us family involvement is important in helping students perform academically

4. Safe disciplined schools – Teaching and learning cannot take place in a disorderly learning environment.

5. Improved facilities – Perception is reality.  People judge us by our appearance.  The public evaluates schools on the basis of appearance.  Clean attractive, well-kept buildings and grounds convey a sense of pride, attentiveness and respect for the public’s investment.

10.  Make your case as Bogalusa’s next superintendent.

I believe the challenges in Bogalusa City Schools can be turned into opportunities.  I will conduct an assessment to determine priorities and needs in the school district. Everyone will participate in the assessment – students, educators, families, board members, and community members.  We will establish our goals and develop an improvement plan.  We will implement and monitor the plan in order to make adjustments as needed.   The plan will be documented and communicated in as many formats as possible and to as many audiences as possible.  Everyone in the school district will know and perform their responsibilities to achieve the goals.  As the leader of the district, I will follow-up and follow-through to ensure we are meeting the goals as outlined to ensure a quality education for every student.  

Louise Smith is new BCS superintendent

Louise Smith

Louise Smith, a veteran educator who has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, grant writer and most recently has been staff support specialist for the Poplarville (Miss.) School District, is the new superintendent of the Bogalusa City Schools.

Trustees met in executive session for 33 minutes before returning to the district media center to announce their decision. The vote was 5-2, with Raymond Mims and Paul Kates voting nay. The position, with base and incentives, will pay in the lox six-figures, although Kates said after adjourning the meeting that no pay rate was discussed.

Kates said he voted against Smith because he thought the other candidate, Lionel Jackson of Tangipahoa Parish, would have an easier transition period and because he was familiar with Louisiana laws and regulations.

Smith fills a vacancy created when Ruth Horne resigned in mid-March. Smith was a finalist when Horne was hired three years ago to replace Jerry Payne, whose contract was not renewed.

Smith said it had been her career dream and goal to become a superintendent. She said she felt she could relate with Bogalusa because she has spent a great deal of time in the community and the demographics between the two communities are similar.

Smith and Jackson were two of 15 applicants for the position. Jackson and Smith were initially announced as finalists with Dr. Daniel Slack, superintendent of the East Carter R-II District in Elsinore, Mo. Slack was eliminated from consideration after a series of interviews on June 20-22 and the board decided on Monday to re-interview Smith and Jackson and postpone the decision until today.

New BCS superintendent to be hired before nightfall

Lionel Jackson

Jackson. Louise Smith.

Louise Smith. Lionel Jackson.

Familiarize yourself with the names, because if you live in Bogalusa or have a child who attends school in Bogalusa, one of those two will be chosen as the district's next superintendent before nightfall today.

Board members will gather at 5 p.m. at the district office to meet and formalize their decision, hiring one of what was originally a field of 15 applicants. The position is expected to pay around $100,000 — including incentives.

The board had initially planned to announce its decision on Tuesday, but postponed that when it could not reach a consensus decision. At that time, in a move veteran observers called "a total surprise," the board announced it would eliminate one of the candidates and bring the remaining two in for interviews on Wednesday.

Louise Smith

The board eliminated Dr. Daniel Slack of the East Carter R-II School District in Elsinore, Mo. and re-interviewed Jackson, one of two assistant superintendents in the Tangipahoa Parish School District, and Smith, staff support specialist with the Poplarville (Miss.) School District.

When the schedule for interviews was first released, the board indicated it would prefer to have the new superintendent on the job today.

Both Jackson and Smith have sought top leadership positions in the past.


Three years ago, Smith was a finalist when board members selected Ruth Horne to lead the district. Now, Smith competes for the position left vacant when Horne abruptly resigned in mid-March.

When asked why she would leave her current position, she was brief and to the point: "I want to be a superintendent."

Smith has spent her entire career in Poplarville and has held a variety of positions, including principal, grant writer, classroom teacher and athletic director in the district that most closely mirrors Bogalusa in several statistical categories, including campuses and student census.

Jackson was one of three finalists for the superintendent's position in the Monroe City Schools earlier this month and was also a finalist this spring for the superintendent's job in St. Helena Parish. He currently serves as one of two assistant superintendents in the 30,000 student, 37 campus Tangipahoa district and has been a classroom teacher, principal and administrator in both Orleans and Tangipahoa parishes.

BCS board busy, but exec session dominates

A 59-minute executive session in which board members reviewed evaluations of Lionel Jackson and Louise Smith by participants in the superintendent interview process last week, dominated Tuesday regular meeting of the trustees of the Bogalusa City Schools.

"We want to thank everyone for their participation," board president Paul Kates said. "We particularly appreciate their input and want them to know we will take some of their input when we interview the two candidates tomorrow (Wednesday) night."

Board vice-president Adam Kemp said, "Some of the best questions came from the students. I was very impressed with their questions and their observations ... I'm going to steal some of the them (tomorrow)."

Board member Eleanor Duke was more to the point.

"Ya'll say a prayer for us. We're doing our best to find the best person for the students."

The board plans to convene in executive session at 5 p.m., meeting once again with Jackson and Smith in hopes of developing a consensus. On Monday, Kates said the board hoped to make a decision when it meets again at 5 p.m. Friday.

In other action:
   • Hired Bill Murray as a nine-month graduation coach
   • Rehired six instructors who had previously been terminated because of a reduction in force. Five of the six worked their last day on May 31 — Myra Galloway of Bogalusa Middle School, Jill Jeffers of Pleasant Hill, Clyde Terrell of Byrd Avenue, Christopher Loewe of Pleasant Hill and Irvin Deubler of Superior Avenue. The sixth was 12-month employee Hubert Little of Bogalusa High School.
   • Renewed Pam Ard's contract as principal at Bogalusa High School. Ard's termination had been recommended by former superintendent Ruth Horne.
   • Hired Bryan Stewart as principal of Bogalusa New Tech High School. Stewart has been serving as assistant principal at Bogalusa High School and has taken on the responsibility of athletic director.
   • Hired Peggy Sue Stewart as a bus driver.
   • Hired Ella Dupard as a summer school substitute.
   • Authorized hiring for four positions, including supervisor of special populations, two BHS custodians, one home economics teacher at BMS and one talented art teacher at BMS.
   • Granted permission to enter in a SmartFind Express Contract — the Substitute Employment Management System for Schools.
   • Approved a policy adopting parental responsibilities for Pre-K and K students riding buses.
   • Awarded bids for FY 2011-2012 frozen foods, kitchen supplies, bread, milk, produce and small equipment.
   • Granted permission for Joanie Miller (district representative) and Tonya Varnado-Seal,  Byrd Avenue Elementary principal, to travel to Washington, DC for the Healthier U.S. Challenge Gold Award of Distinction reception on July 29 on the East Lawn of the White House per invitation from First Lady Michelle Obama.
   • Granted permission to discard additional fixed assets district wide from General Fund, Title I and Special Ed.
   • Granted permission to enter into a contract with Washington Parish Schools to occupy a room at Long Avenue School for the Adult Education Program.
   • Grant permission for Joanna Dillman, supervisor of human resources and community relations, to attend the National School Public Relations Association Conference in San Antonio on July 10-13.

BCS field down to two, decision delayed

Jackson

Following an executive session Monday night, members of the Bogalusa City Schools board of trustees decided to re-interview two of the three finalists and to delay the selection of the district's new leader until at least Friday.

The board will re-interview Lionel Jackson, one of two assistant superintendents in the Tangipahoa Parish School District, and Louise Smith, staff support specialist with the Poplarville (Miss.) School District. Dr. Daniel Slack, superintendent of the East Carter R-II School District in El Dorado Springs, Mo., was eliminated from further consideration.

Smith

The board plans to re-interview Jackson and Smith at 5 p.m. Wednesday, then meet at 5 p.m. Friday to see if a decision can be reached.

Board President Paul Kates said the board could not reach a consensus without re-interviewing the candidates.

The delay means the board will obviously not be able to reach its previously self-imposed target of July 1 for having the district's new boss on the job.

Both Jackson and Smith have sought top leadership positions in the past.

Three years ago, Smith was a finalist when board members selected Ruth Horne to lead the district. Now, Smith competes for the position left vacant when Horne abruptly resigned in mid-March.

When asked why she would leave her current position, she was brief and to the point: "I want to be a superintendent."

Telling members of the morning forum group that, "I got a late start," Smith has spent her entire career in Poplarville and has held a variety of positions, including principal, grant writer, classroom teacher and athletic director in the district that most closely mirrors Bogalusa in several statistical categories, including campuses and student census. Smith seemed to connect with forum participants.

Jackson was one of three finalists for the superintendent's position in the Monroe City Schools earlier this month. He currently serves as one of two assistant superintendents in the 30,000 student, 37 campus Tangipahoa district. The Tangipahoa District is racially split almost 50-50, while Bogalusa's is overwhelmingly black. Jackson also seemed to connect with forum participants.

The board will hold its regular meeting as scheduled at 5:30 Tuesday.

Bogalusa's Byrd Avenue wins national award, earns invitation to White House reception

Joannie Miller, supervisor of the child nutrition programs for the Bogalusa City Schools, was noticeably excited — and justifiably.

The district's Byrd Avenue Elementary School food services program has been awarded a Gold Award of Distinction through the Healthier U. S. School Challenge (HUSSC). Only five schools nationwide were presented with a Gold award this award cycle.

"This is great news," she told wpnewsblog prior to the start of the board's committee meeting Monday afternoon,

And while the award is great in itself, there's another perk that makes it even better  — a $2,000 award for meeting HUSSC's updated criteria. And if that's not enough, Gold Award winners have been invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to a reception on the South Lawn of the White House at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 29. 

The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary initiative established in 2004 to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity.

A total of 123 schools were recognized from Alabama, Georgia, Illinoia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Since the beginning of the award program in 2004, awards have been given to schools in 43 states.

Miller said the U.S. Department of Agriculture commended the schools for "the exemplary steps, leadership and team work employed to make changes to the schools' nutrition environment, improve the quality of the foods served, provide students with more nutritious, healthy choices and enhance their physical activity program."

Miller said it gives other schools in the district something to shoot for. 

(Published first at http://www.wpnewsblog.blogspot.com)

Two of three BCS candidates respond to questionnaire

To our readers:

As soon as the identities of the three finalists for the position of superintendent of the Bogalusa City Schools were announced, wpnewsblog developed a 10-item questionnaire and sent it to the business address of each finalist on Tuesday, June 13. There was a deadline for response included.

As the schedule and interview process for each of the candidates was announced, the decision was made to change the response time until after all three interviews were concluded. This was confirmed by telephone with Lionel Jackson and Dr. Daniel Slack and by email with Louise Smith.

Following the completion of the interviews, the three candidates were asked at 9:30 Thursday morning to submit their responses in time for a Saturday publication. In that email, candidates were advised: The plan for publication is write a brief intro and then list the questions, 1-10. I will cut and paste responses in alphabetical order, so they will be listed as LJ (Jackson), DS (Slack) and LS (Smith).

“If you choose not to respond, that is your prerogative ... however, a "No response" will be listed by your name under each question.”

Both Dr. Slack, who drove to Bogalusa from Missouri in order to drive the community and was on his way home, and Mrs. Smith responded. Mr. Jackson did not.

There has been no editing of responses. They were cut and pasted into the space following the question and, as promised to the candidates, are listed in alphabetical order.

                                                                                                                                                        John H. Walker                                                                                                                                              Editor/Publisher

(Decision Facing BCS Board Might Not Be So Hard, see OPINION)

Introduce yourself to the community, as you would at a first-time public appearance:

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff, and Patrons of the Bogalusa City Schools:

         As a finalist for the Position of Superintendent of the              Bogalusa City Schools, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for recognizing the qualities that I possess through the accumulation of my personal education and experiences as a public school educator.  As I research the Bogalusa City School District, I continue to recognize the qualities that define your identity, and it is my honor to be invited for consideration to a very important decision affecting your students.

With that said, I have served in public education as a High School Math and Science Teacher (10 years), High School Counselor (3 years), University Graduate Assistant (2 years), High School Principal (2 years), and as a District Superintendent (9 years) for a total of 26 years of service.  I earned my B.S.E. at Central Michigan University, my M.S. at Missouri State University, my Ed.S. at Missouri State University, and my Doctorate at NOVA Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

In conclusion, I have been involved in some form of education (Either as a student or Educator) for the entirety of my life.  I believe that everyone is a life-long learner, and that concept also applies to myself.  Education is my passion, and that passion created who I have become over time.  My wife is currently a professional working in Behavioral Health and we both look forward in relocating to Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Slack, Ed.D.

    LS – I am Louise Smith - wife, mother, grandmother and educator.  All of these roles are important to me.  I am here today to talk about my role as an educator.  Education is the reason I am a responsible, productive person in our society.  I grew up under adverse conditions.  Educators instilled in me the desire to learn and work hard to achieve my potential and dreams.  I often wonder where I would be without powerful teachers who provided caring relationships, high expectations and opportunities to participate and contribute to the school and community.  I grew up knowing I would give back – I had to help other children find the hope and resilience they needed to succeed in life.  I have an undergraduate degree in social work, a master’s degree in education and a specialist’s degree in administration.  I have completed all work for the doctorate degree in education with the exception of a dissertation.  I love learning and I love watching our children grow and learn.

Why do you want to become superintendent of schools in Bogalusa?

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – First, if you look at the various methods that districts use to search for their Superintendents, I feel that districts that consult with a national search firm, as did Bogalusa City Schools, communicates a particular message about the District.  In addition, if you look at the educational and career backgrounds of Superintendents from such districts, you find a pattern.  Superintendents from such districts have educational backgrounds that are diverse and rarely isolated to one University.  In addition, they also have career experiences that are diverse, and not isolated to any one school district or position.  The message that The Bogalusa City School District telegraphed matched my philosophy relative to the type of organization that I would like to lead.  They are willing to be progressive and diverse in their search, and I have a diverse background.

In my opinion, the Bogalusa City School District is a great district, but great is never good enough.  No matter how good I get at doing what it is I do, I am always looking for methods that will assist me in doing better.  The search for improvement is never ending, dynamic and infinite, and we are never at the end of that search.  Districts, no matter how great also share this same characteristic, and this is the match that I previously alluded to.  This infinite search for improvement can be nurtured through the management style that I utilize which will become apparent with time.

If you review my career, every career move that I was able to make was promotional in nature, and my move to Bogalusa City Schools would also be very much promotional in nature.  The fact that I feel an admiration for this geographic area of the country is a bonus to the position.

LS – Becoming a school superintendent is one of my lifelong goals.  Bogalusa is just across the river from Poplarville.  Our demographics are similar.   I have made many trips to Bogalusa over the years to enjoy two of my favorite past times - eating and shopping.   I will use the skills, knowledge and insight from my diverse work experiences in education to turn the challenges of the Bogalusa school district into learning opportunities for students.  I firmly believe healthy schools build healthy communities.  I have been  successful in every education position I have held which includes: classroom teacher, principal, athletic director, federal programs coordinator, grant writer, loss control coordinator, sixteenth section land manager, staff development coordinator, test coordinator, technology coordinator, safe and drug free schools coordinator and alternative school principal. I will be a successful school superintendent and I look forward to working with students, families, educators and community members to build capacity and unlock the leadership potential in Bogalusa City Schools.

Why are you seeking employment other than your current position?

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – Question 3 is also answered in question two.

LS – I want to become a school superintendent.

Summarize your current job responsibilities.

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – I am currently the Superintendent of  East Carter County R-II School District, located in Ellsinore, Missouri.  East Carter demographically has three schools, a current student enrollment of 776 students, 120 employees, 281 square miles, and 14 bus routes.  We travel approximately 500 miles before we serve breakfast.  In addition to the Superintendent, the district has four additional administrators; however the district is definitely large enough to require a Superintendent, however not large enough to allow for an Assistant Superintendent.  Because of this characteristic, I as Superintendent am responsible for oversight and/or direct involvement of all operations including but not limited to Transportation, Food Service, Curriculum, Federal Programs, State Accreditation, State Reporting, Board Agenda Development, District Budget, Purchasing, Building and Grounds, Maintenance, Custodial, Strategic Planning, Human Resources, State Assessment, State Assessment Improvement Initiatives, Guidance, Legal Issues, among others.  As a Superintendent from a district such as East Carter, I have had to become familiar with all district programs.

LS – I write and administer grants for Poplarville School District and I coordinate our federal programs.  I work with teachers and support staff to build their professional capacity to serve our students and I help them find the resources, programs and strategies they need for success in the classroom.

What are your strengths?

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – My strengths are derived from my Educational and Career background.  Educational experiences provide the academic ability required to be successful, but they cannot provide the characteristics to be successful as a craft.  The academic environment provided by the university cannot provide the experience necessary to be successful as an educator.  To illustrate, my university experiences enabled me to be qualified to serve as a District Superintendent, but did not guarantee the quality of my performance for that position.  I am now presently a higher quality Superintendent than I was nine years ago when I first occupied the position.  Malcolm Gladwell illustrates this in his book “Outliers”.  His research indicates that it takes about 10,000 hours of practice before anyone can be an expert in their field/craft.  I am an example of his research.  What I once struggled to achieve as a Superintendent nine years ago have become more automatic relative to response.

LS – • Student focused

·       Principled, collaborative leader

·       Visible, accessible, hands-on leader

·       Team player

·       Communicator & Listener

·       Fiscal Manager

·       Committed to lifelong learning

·       Informed decision maker

·       Strategic planner

·       Analytical Observer & Problem Solver

·       Results oriented

·       Resourceful

·       Relationship/capacity builder

·       Sense of Humor and Humility

What challenges do you see in Bogalusa?

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – No matter how great, all districts have challenges.  Rather than simply listing challenges, I will use a highly collaborative strategic analytical approach, and access the human resources of the board, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, patrons, and stakeholders.  I feel that it would be unfair to the district and myself to be so bold as to publically outline the weaknesses of Bogalusa City Schools prior to some real connective collegiality with the above-mentioned parties.  I have my ideas, but I feel that they need real validation prior to wandering down that path.  The fact remains that Bogalusa has many positive characteristics that can be utilized to cause improvement, which will be appropriate with time.

LS – 1. Facilities

2.     Student Achievement

3.     Declining enrollment

4.     Accountability

5.     Transparency

6.     Stewardship

7.     Communication

8.     Leadership

Your current district has a mixture of high performing, medium performance and low performance campuses … what needs to be done to get all campuses to the point where they are at least showing improvement and are not stagnant or in decline?

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – The State of Missouri issues an Annual Performance Report based on a maximum score of 14.  The East Carter School District received a score of 11 out of 14.  If we would have participated in the State Voluntary End of Course (EOC) bonus assessments, I and others feel that we would have received a score of 12, rather than 11.  East Carter met all State Assessment Standards in Communication Arts and Mathematics in all grades scored (grades 3 – 12) with the exception of grade span 3 – 5 Communication Arts.  In addition, East Carter also met the ACT State Standard.  I have a plan in place to address the weakness and to keep stagnation from occurring which can be applied to any district and will be reserved for the interview process.

LS – We will conduct a comparability study to determine why schools with the same demographics are not improving or growing.  We can do this by gathering and analyzing the data.  We will use results to implement best practices and research to ensure all schools are performing at high levels.  Improving schools is a matter of determining where the weaknesses are and working to correct them.

Bogalusa has a reputation as a district where there is minimal parental participation. What can be done to effect change?

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – Again, I would answer this question with a response that would essentially echo the answer to question number 6.

LS – Research demonstrates family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance and reduces dropouts.  Bogalusa recently sent 26 cheerleaders to a camp at The University of Southern Mississippi.  These students represented the school district very well.  They were behaved and disciplined.  Families and school sponsors worked with these students to help them realize the importance of their conduct and appearance to outside audiences.  I will go to these families and the families of other students and ask for their input on providing family participation in the schools.  We must help families realize they are the greatest advocates for their children and our schools.  We will develop multiple outreach mechanisms to inform families about family involvement policies and programs through newsletters, slide shows, local newspapers, memos and other media.  We will make optimal use of communication technologies to connect with families.  We will send learning videos/DVDs home.  We will post press releases, calendars, school menus and other messages on the district web site.  We will provide a family resource center with a coordinator.  Families can use the family resource center to learn technology skills and gain skills and knowledge to help their children with school work.  Families can check out learning materials from the Family Resource Center.  We will organize family advisory committees and PTA Units.  We can connect with families through face to face meetings, school performances, extracurricular activities and home visits.  Families will be invited into our schools as volunteers and resource speakers.  We will provide capacity building, training and technical assistance to teachers and administrator to scale up innovative practices to reach more families.  We will provide innovative programming and services to families such as leadership training, nutrition classes, exercise classes and family literacy to remove barriers to family participation.   We will evaluate the effectiveness of family involvement activities and programs on a regular basis.

Realizing all districts are different, and that you have not been in the district before, rank your priorities for Bogalusa from one through five, with one being the most important. Also, please briefly explain why for each.

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – Again, I would answer this question with a response that would essentially echo the answer to question number 6.

LS – 1.   Student Achievement – Student achievement is important for the successful development of our children.  Students who achieve in school become responsible, productive citizens and achieve occupational and economic success.

2.  High quality teacher in every classroom – Research tells us the teacher is the number one variable in academic achievement of students.

3. Family involvement – Research tells us family involvement is important in helping students perform academically

4. Safe disciplined schools – Teaching and learning cannot take place in a disorderly learning environment.

5. Improved facilities – Perception is reality.  People judge us by our appearance.  The public evaluates schools on the basis of appearance.  Clean attractive, well-kept buildings and grounds convey a sense of pride, attentiveness and respect for the public’s investment.

Make your case for becoming Bogalusa’s next superintendent.

LJ – Declined to respond

DS – I am currently a fully certified Superintendent and the Superintendent of East Carter Co. R-II School District, a district of 800 students, 120 staff members, 281 square miles, and 14 bus routes.  I have 24 years of experience in education including 10 years of teaching Secondary Math and Science, three years of Secondary Guidance and Counseling, two years as a High School Principal, and nine years as a Superintendent.  Due to these experiences, I now possess solid oral and written communication skills and have an exceptional frame of reference to base my leadership abilities upon, which I believe is unique.  I also believe that these experiences will synchronize to meet the candidate profile that Bogalusa desires.

As a superintendent with nine years of experience, I have been responsible for and become familiar with all aspects of district operations.  I am open, approachable, and responsive, have a broad range of k-12 experiences in both the classroom and in administration, possess strong communication and listening skills, can make tough decisions and follow through, value and respect differing points of view, possess strong skills in developing relationships, possess the ability to maintain balance among competing interests, am consistent and fair, maintain focus on student achievement, and have completed a fully accredited Doctorate Program in Educational Leadership.  All of the above mentioned characteristics are significant relative to my leadership in public education and I believe will be a significant benefit to Bogalusa City Schools.

LS – I believe the challenges in Bogalusa City Schools can be turned into opportunities.  I will conduct an assessment to determine priorities and needs in the school district. Everyone will participate in the assessment – students, educators, families, board members, and community members.  We will establish our goals and develop an improvement plan.  We will implement and monitor the plan in order to make adjustments as needed.   The plan will be documented and communicated in as many formats as possible and to as many audiences as possible.  Everyone in the school district will know and perform their responsibilities to achieve the goals.  As the leader of the district, I will follow-up and follow-through to ensure we are meeting the goals as outlined to ensure a quality education for every student.

BCS: A recap of the candidates' morning forums

The interviews are over.

Dr. Daniel Slack
(Photo by John H. Walker)

With the completion of Dr. Daniel Slack’s day long session of campus visits and interviews, another step in the selection of the next superintendent of the Bogalusa City Schools has been taken.

Now, in short fashion, evaluation forms will be tallied and compared and prepared for the board to review in preparation for next Tuesday’s meeting, when members are expected to make their selection public.

In addition to Slack, of the East Carter R-II School District in El Dorado Springs, Mo., board members will also consider Louise Smith, staff support specialist for the Poplarville (Miss.) School District and Lionel Jackson, one of two assistant superintendents in Tangipahoa Parish.

During the forums, which took place at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., each candidate was asked a series of question from a group of external stakeholders, parents and residents.

All were asked about their current districts and the roles they play in those districts. Other questions pertained to discipline, campus control, student discipline and a professional dress code for teachers.

On Monday, Smith sat back in her chair as she fielded questions in a conversational manner. She was quick to point out areas that were not under the superintendent’s control, but rather at the direction of the board.

Smith laughed as she told former Central High and Bogalusa High Coach Gary Magee he had asked an illegal question regarding her age, quickly adding, “I’m 64.”

She told the morning group she got a late start in the educational business, “but I’ve been working 28 years in education.”

She told Police Chief Joe Culpepper she saw the two of them becoming very good friends … and that she agreed with him that it is not up to the police to manage campus discipline, but the principal.

Smith also said she would relocate to Bogalusa as soon as possible.

“If I take your dollars, I would live here,” she said.

When asked if her husband would relocate, she laughed again, stating, “He’s my secret weapon. Yes.”

She then related a story about she and her husband and grown children going to a school function and getting together for a group picture.

Smith came across strongly when asked about holding people accountable.

“I’ve always been independent and I don’t like cliques … that’s one reason I don’t go into the teacher’s lounge,” she said. “We must hold people accountable. There is a due process that must be followed, but if we’ve done everything we can and they aren’t doing the job, we need to move on.”

Smith’s morning session took the entire hour and she continued to field questions as the group broke up.

On Tuesday, an almost charismatic Jackson took a different approach than Smith in that he stood and squatted during his session, frequently using hand gestures in his responses.

Jackson told the morning group that “we must maintain consistency. If you lapse on Day 1, you’ll lapse at the end of school.”

The 53-year-old said he didn’t have a timeline to offer in regards to bringing up Bogalusa’s dismal educational results. “It doesn’t happen overnioght, but I assure you they’ll come up the first year.”

Jackson was taken aback when one participant told him, “I don’t think you’re tough enough. Our results aren’t that good, but Tangipahoa (schools) are not that great, either. Four of your high schools are not meeting goals.”

“I’m not the leader,” Jackson responded.

He told the group he would be visible and on campuses and in classrooms “every day.”

“I lead by example,” he explained. “You lead people to do things … you sit down and collaborate, rather than beat someone over the head.”

He agreed with Smith in regards to it not being the job of the police to maintain discipline of the campus and that principals should be held accountable.

“Leadership is the strongest indicator,” he said. “If a principal cannot control  their school, they cannot lead.”

And like Smith, Jackson said he would relocate his family to Bogalusa.

As Jackson’s morning session came to a close, he offered to continue into his lunch if participants desired and fielded a couple of more questions, spending about the same amount as time as Smith.

Slack seemed to have the most difficulty in connecting with, or understanding what the group wanted as several questions had to be repeated or rephrased in an effort to get an answer.

One example was a question regarding what needs to be done to turn the district’s results around. After being asked once, Slack asked that it be repeated and after being told he did not answer the question, the moderator rephrased it.

“I think we give those kids (who haven’t learned) extra time to learn,” he said. “One thing is a tutoring center during the day with a certified staff member and student peers.” He then added, “You have to have some smart kids in the district.”

Slack’s emphasis was on the elementary schools, to the consternation of some of the forum participants. He said elementary was be his first priority, followed by middle school and then high school.

He said he would concentrate on K-through-3 students, pushing them to learn to read by the end of the first 30 days.

“Those first 30 days they are learning to read … after that, they are reading to learn. If kids can read, then math comes in …”

Unlike Smith, a grant writing specialist, or Jackson, Slack finally admitted grant writing was “not a forte’ of mine.”

He also came up short on his answer of what he knew about Bogalusa — offering enrollment, assessed value for taxes and the millage.

When Slack discussed his background, at districts with 110, 250 and 800 students, he got another negative reaction with at least one forum participant shaking their head from side-to-side in a “no” fashion.

Slack said he felt the key to motivating staff was, “They have to trust the new superintendent. First is to build relationships, second is model behaviors and third is that every job is important.”

When asked, “Do you have a target time for changing the academic environment?”, Slack again seemed to stumble through his answer.

“You begin Day 1, but realistically, change like that will take time. We have to concentrate on getting kids to read.”

When pressed, he responded, “My improvement scores will incline … incline the first year.”

Unlike Smith and Jackson, Slack’s session ended about five minutes short. And unlike Smith and Jackson, who seemed comfortable and at-ease, Slack seemed tense and on edge as he clasped his hands time and again.