Low turnout for input on Norfolk schools chief

NORFOLK

Only nine people showed up Tuesday night at twin meetings designed to get the public's input as the division recruits a new superintendent.

The low turnout contrasted with the scores of parents who joined division staff at an hourslong conference earlier in the day to brainstorm ways to lower the dropout rate, raise student performance and engage the community in the school system.

The timeline for recruiting a superintendent calls for the School Board to interview candidates in mid-April. The board wants to have the new superintendent in office by July 1.

The vacancy opened in November when the board pushed out Superintendent Richard Bentley after he had been in the job about 15 months. Chairman Kirk Houston said at the time that the board wanted quicker improvement on student performance scores that are a major factor in state accreditation.

Ray and Associates, the recruitment firm hired by the division, held Tuesday's meetings at Granby High and Ruffner Middle School. The firm also is soliciting public input via a Web-based survey.

The handful of residents at Granby said improving school accreditation, reducing the dropout rate and leadership would be top issues facing the superintendent.

"You need someone who's willing to accept a challenge, and Norfolk will give them a challenge," Tom Frost said.

Steven G. Vegh, 757-446-2417, steven.vegh@pilotonline.com