Incoming superintendent must take New Kent schools to next level, says public

An innovative, forward-looking, and dedicated community member were qualities echoed by speakers at New Kent School Board’s public hearing on Feb. 24 that focused on a search for a new superintendent of schools to replace Rick Richardson who is retiring July 31.

School board members listened as six people spoke during the 35-minute session. And while speakers maximized the time allotted to comment, it was perfectly clear that each one of them were on the same accord.

Addressing the school board, parents and community members expressed delight with the current operations and education provided in the school system, but pushed for the next leader to take the district to even higher standards.

“I want someone who has the ability to research to find out what is needed to assist students,” said Kim Williams, a five-year resident of New Kent who has 18 years in education and serves as an assistant principal at Lee-Davis High School. “I want someone who has a wealth of experience.

“My desire is to see the superintendent move the high school forward with classes such as virtual learning and advanced placement classes to offer them more opportunities in the future,” she added. “He or she has to be a supporter of the teachers and find ways to work with them and realize that staff can be burdened.”

Ron Durrer addressed the board with his desires for the new superintendent.

“I want the person to be forward-looking and someone who is well versed in technology and has a vision of what‘s coming in the next five to 10 years,” he said. “I want to see New Kent schools get to the next level.

“Maybe he or she can do something different,” Durrer continued. “I want them to make this school district special and not just maintain status quo.”

“We need leadership,” chimed in Kathy Gray. “We need somebody to lead from the top down to raise the bar.”

Elaine Greer, a newcomer to the county with a son in the middle school, talked about her pleasantries she’s encountered with New Kent schools.

“It’s been great so far,” she said. “I hope whoever is coming in will be well-versed on what’s going on in the community.

“I would like to see more international flairs,” she continued. “I would like to see an exchange student program and more programs of that sort offered to middle school students.”

Greer’s brother-in-law, Allen Walker, desired school board members to find someone who takes pride in the school system.

“The past is a prologue for the future,” said the 25-year military veteran, quoting his experiences when he lived in Washington, D.C. “The commitment has to be there to the school system and to the county.

“Children are resources that are too precious to lose,” continued the passionate parent. “We are a small district, but the value and worth are here.

“The new superintendent has to have a vision, a mission, and goals,” he concluded, referencing mantras learned in the armed services.

After the public comment period concluded, chairwoman Leigh Quick said the selection process is something they take seriously and and added the board thoroughly enjoyed the input.

“We thank you all because we wanted the public to be part of the process,” said Quick. “Our survey and your comments provided us will help us, and some of the things you said are essential for what we look for.”

Approximately 282 surveys were returned to New Kent School Board’s search through the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA). Of those numbers, 118 people identified themselves as parents, 83 as teachers, six as administrators, 43 as other school staff members, and the remainder as community members.

School board members also fielded additional questions from the public on the numbers and assured attendees that as the process moves along, so will updates on the search.

“We want the VSBA to send us a synopsis of feedback so that you all can see what type of results we received,” said District 5 member Gail Hardinge. “I know one of the biggest things we spoke about on this survey is the issue of the superintendent living within the county.

“With so many jurisdictions in the state searching for a superintendent, we had to be careful how we worded this survey so that we didn’t eliminate any potential candidate, especially if it’s one that could be the best for New Kent,” Hardinge concluded, pointing to the issue of residency for the incoming leader.

New Kent is one of 16 jurisdictions in Virginia looking for a new superintendent of schools for the 2014-15 year. Also competing with New Kent for the vacant position are neighboring Charles City County and Gloucester County.