2009: HPS Board considers sharing Superintendent with Crofton

Feb. 25, 2009

HARTINGTON — The Hartington School Board is looking at all the options in selecting a superintendent.

The School Board held a public meeting Monday evening to discuss the school’s options in filling the vacancy that was created when Superintendent Scott Swisher turned in his resignation at last week’s school board meeting.

The school board spent close to an hour looking at the pros and cons of sharing a superintendent with another school before voting to set up an interview with the superintendent of the Crofton School.

Most of the evening’s discussion was centered around sharing a superintendent with another school.

“There are some pluses and some minuses,” said board member Colin Kathol. “This is an ever changing environment, all the numbers tell us we are going to get smaller – would it be a good idea to align ourselves with another school. The drawback could be - will sharing with another school give our school enough time with a superintendent.”

Board member Ron Pearson asked if sharing an administration with another school would make the opening for Superintendent at Hartington more attractive to candidates.

Board member Doug Miller suggested the school might be in a better position if they were sharing a superintendent with another school.

“By jumping in and hiring we might get someone who is good, but if we are working with another school district we could have a better selection,” said Miller.

Swisher told board members sharing administration could benefit the school.

“With two schools you can offer a larger salary,” said Swisher. “If you have a superintendent with two strong school districts you can share staff,” According to Swisher there are seven school districts in the surrounding area that are currently looking for a superintendent.

Board President Jason Dendinger said he had been contacted by a couple of board members from other schools who were searching for a superintendent.

“Four other school boards are meeting tonight and figuring out what their intentions are,” said Dendinger.