Burke County is searching for its next superintendent of public schools.
So is McDowell County.
So is Catawba County.
And by the way, Watauga County is also looking for a superintendent.
This isn’t what Burke County needs. The school board would have been in a much better situation if three other school systems within an hour’s drive weren’t also trying to fill the same position. When the school board identifies the person it wants to lead the public schools, it’s going to have to do a heck of a sales job.
Certainly our schools have some standout teachers and administrators. The money offered will be in line with the responsibilities of the job.
Burke County is also a beautiful place to live and work. Members of the school board seem that this is going to be the tipping point for getting the best candidate to make Burke County home.
Board Chair Catherine Thomas and board member R.L. Icard were quick to point out the natural beauty of the area as things that will surely bring the right candidate to the area.
However, Watauga and Marion counties are rich with natural beauty, and Catawba County isn’t at all shabby either.
The county’s four high schools are currently on accreditation probation, but we have a gut feeling there will be a positive result for the school from the SACS CASI accreditation review team’s visit last weekend.
Much of the reason for the probationary status was dysfunction among the school board, but those days seem to be behind us.
The potential consolidation of schools is in the near future. On top of that, there is the regular battle between the schools and the county over funds. Interim Superintendent Larry Putnam says 97 of the state’s counties fund their schools better than Burke County does and he feels that should change. The next superintendent will likely agree.
It may be difficult to find a person who wants to walk into a challenging position on their first day at a new job.
And we’re certain when a job offer is made, the applicant will be well aware the last two people who held the post weren’t allowed to work the full term of their contracts.
Yes, the school board will have to find the right way to sell an applicant on being the next superintendent in Burke County. It won’t be an easy sell, but it’s not impossible.
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