Approximately 40 citizens attended a forum Thursday on the criteria for hiring the next superintendent of Pontotoc City School District. The meeting, held at the Junior High School Auditorium, was facilitated by Dr. Harold Fisher, Mississippi Director of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Dr. Fisher is president emeritus of Blue Mountain College, where he served 36 years as president. He is also past president of the National School Board Association, and chairman of the Magna Awards Committee recognizing school boards across the country. He conducts some of the modules in the 12 hours of training required for every school board member in Mississippi. His role in Pontotoc’s search for a new superintendent is as a consultant for the Mississippi School Board Association, headed by Dr. Mike Waldrop.

Dr. Fisher was in Pontotoc to give the public a chance to relate the qualities they want in the next superintendent. He held a similar meeting with teachers earlier in the afternoon on Thursday. After these meetings, Dr. Fisher will summarize the information and give it to the Pontotoc School Board of Trustees to decide the qualifications. The MSBA will prepare a brochure and application form that will be posted on line, advertised in professional publications and mailed out to interested parties. Fisher will evaluate all of the applicants and conduct interviews at the state school board offices. He will write a report of his impressions, rank the candidates, and give all original files to the school board without making any recommendations.

The Pontotoc parents and interested parties had many suggestions for the qualities they want in the next superintendent. One who:

• Understands the diversity of the community and will work with all people.

• Is child centered and does not advocate “teaching for the test.”

• Has previous supervisory/administrative experience.

• Can identify problems and work to solve them.

• Will have an open door policy for teachers and parents.

• Is not at the end of a career, but will make a long-term commitment to Pontotoc Schools.

• Can motivate the community as well as the schools staff.

• Is a strong leader with a vision for the future.

• Has strong financial and budgetary skills.

• Has good values, morals, ethics and character, and is a Christian.

• Demands discipline and respect even in the youngest children.

• Hold teachers and coaches accountable for the same standards.

• Will help students and athletes get a chance to attend college even if it means changing the grading system.

• Will maintain a high standard of professionalism and has a proven successful record.

• Will be “hands on,” going into schools and the community to know teachers and parents.

• Will keep abreast of curriculum changes.

• Will live in the Pontotoc City School District and educate their children in the district.

• Will show interest in expanding the high school curriculum and have experience in doing so.

Surveys were given to the participants to give to other interested parties to complete and mail to Dr. Fisher. He said, “When the board employs the new superintendent, please work with that person, give him or her time to get started. We will do our utmost to find the best person for this district.”