South Gray Superintendent Search Survey

USD 371 and USD 476 are seeking a shared superintendent to lead their two cooperating school districts in southwest Kansas. Your input will help the boards identify the leadership qualities, skills, and priorities most important for this position.

Please answer based on your experience with either or both districts. You do not need to be familiar with both districts to participate. Please submit one response and avoid naming individual employees or students in written comments.

Your input is anonymous and will go directly to our search consultants. They will assist the Board in collecting and analyzing this data.

2.Which district are you most closely connected to? (Select one)

USD 371 Monetezuma

USD 476 Copeland

Both districts

Neither district, but I have interest in South Gray schools

Other (please specify)

3.Which qualities are most important in the next superintendent? (Choose 3)

Honest and trustworthy

Communicates clearly and openly

Listens before making decisions

Makes difficulty decisions and follows through

Is approachable and treats people fairly

Sets high expectations for students and staff

Works well with people who have different views

Is committed to staying and investing in our communities

Other (please specify)

5.What should the next superintendent focus on most when leading two cooperating districts? (Choose 3)

Being regularly present and accessible in both districts

Understanding each district's needs and traditions

Keeping both boards informed

Recommending fair arrangements for shared costs and services

Helping staff work together across the districts

Providing students in both districts access to strong programs

Addressing disagreements constructively

Finding practical ways to share resources

Other (please specify)

6.When a proposed change benefits the districts differently, what would most help you trust the superintendent’s recommendation? (Choose one)

A clear explanation of how students in each district would be affected

A clear explanation of the costs and benefits for each district

Opportunities for people in both districts to provide input

An explanation of how the proposal fits each district’s long-term needs

A plan to review the results and make adjustments

Unsure

Other (please specify)

8.What should the next superintendent understand about leading schools in our part of southwest Kansas? (Choose 3)

The importance of schools to the life of small communities

The role of agriculture and local business

Challenges in recruiting employees to rural communities

Housing and other factors that affect whether employees stay

Travel distances and transportation needs

The importance of school activities and community traditions

Preparing students for local careers and opportunities beyond the area

Serving families with different backgrounds

Other (please specify)

9.Which actions would best show that the superintendent is connected to both districts? (Choose 3)

Spending time in classrooms and school buildings in both districts

Attending a variety of school events in both districts

Meeting regularly with teachers and support staff

Providing regular, plain-language updates about decisions and finances

Working with local businesses and community organizations

Responding to questions and concerns in a timely manner

Other (please specify)

10.What strengths or traditions should the next superintendent preserve and build upon?

11.Where could cooperation between USD 371 and USD 476 work better or provide more opportunities for students?

12.What would you want to see accomplished after the superintendent's first year to say the new leader is off to a good start?

13.What else should the two boards consider when choosing a superintendent to serve both districts?

South Gray Superintendent Search

USD 371 and USD 476 Community and Staff Survey