Soap Lake interviews superintendent candidates

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake residents had the chance to interview the four remaining candidates for the full-time superintendent position.

The candidates were interviewed by board members all morning and classified staff in the afternoon before the community interviews. Soap Lake board members have been looking to hire a superintendent for the district since last spring.

The board has continuously valued community input in the search for a superintendent. The consulting firm hired for the superintendent search, Spokane-based Education Consultants, held meetings to gather input from the community the past few months.

“The board realizes they have really got to hire someone that fits,” said Glenn Frizzell, president of Education Consultants. “The person selected must have the right education, training, personality and experience.”

Candidates are Martin Brewer, Dan McDonald, Jeff Pietila and Denise Mehal.

Brewer is a principal from Lewis and Clark Elementary School in Richland,

McDonald is a superintendent for Touchet School District in Touchet,

Pietila is a principal at Wahluke school in Mattawa and Mehal is the current Soap Lake School District interim superintendent.

“I think it is great that the community is able to be involved in this process,” said Mary Allen, substitute teacher for Soap Lake schools. “I came tonight to hear each superintendent’s goals and qualifications.”

About 15 community members came to interview, even some without children in the school district.

“I don’t have any children in the district, but I have many friends that have kids enrolled here and I know kids from church that go to Soap Lake schools,” said Tim Hill. “I think Soap Lake is a special place and we need someone in charge that wants to be there for our kids. I think the next superintendent should be focused on improving the quality of education for our kids and creating new programs for them to be involved in.”

Board members divided attendees up into groups of four and sent each group to a separate room. One candidate went to each room to interview, moving to a new room after 30 minutes.

Brewer

A Soap Lake resident asked Brewer why he wanted the position.

Brewer explained he is driven by challenges and has a passion for working with all types of students.

“I enjoy the school improvement process because I want students to receive the best education they can,” Brewer said.

Brewer was asked about how active he thinks a superintendent should be in the community.

“I believe the superintendent is the face of the district and needs to be involved in as much as possible,” he said. “If I received the position, you would not only see me stopping by at each of the three schools consistently, but you would see me out at community events and involved in local clubs.”

McDonald

An attendee asked McDonald why he wanted to become superintendent and move to Grant County.

“I love the small community here and the warmth of the people I’ve talked to,” he said. “Being superintendent would give me the chance to work with a great administrative team and interact with kids. I enjoy learning new things and I think that is an important quality for a superintendent to have because kids need to see that in adults.”

McDonald was asked about his thoughts on athletic programs.

“To me, athletics are important because they add a sense of identity,” McDonald said. “For some kids, athletics are why they stay in school and if teams are successful, it impacts the community by giving students and residents a sense of pride. However, athletics shouldn’t rule the school and the team members must know they have a responsibility to maintain good grades while in a sport.”

Pietila

Pietila was asked if he felt it was important for superintendents in a small district to know each student by name.

“I think it is very important for a superintendent to know each child by name as well as interest and ability, no matter the size of the district,” he answered. “I think this district is the perfect size for a superintendent to really get to know each kid.”

A resident asked Pietila how he would proceed if there was a negative issue with a teacher and a student.

“I think in this situation, a superintendent’s role is to monitor,” Pietila said. “I think issues should be resolved in the lowest possible levels they could be. I see that as a principal’s job to oversee the teacher and student conversation, but if I needed to get involved in some way, I would.”

Mehal

An attendee asked Mehal why she wanted the superintendent position, given her time as interim superintendent the past several months.

“I love Soap Lake, I love the people here and I’ve loved working here,” she said. “I feel I’ve made a difference here and want to continue to do that.”

Mehal was asked to discuss what she thought the strengths in the school district were.

“Our strength is in our staff that really cares about our students,” she said. “We also have beautiful buildings and a great group of principals who really work together.

A resident asked Mehal if she planned on working to receive her credentials.

“I’ve thought many times about going back to get a master’s, but I’ve always had a full time job and kids to take care of,” Mehal said. “Getting credentials is a possibility but not a necessity. Credentials aren’t required to become a superintendent in Washington state.”

Attendees had time to fill out a feedback form after talking to each candidate. Board members are using the forms to help make a decision on a new superintendent.

Questions on the form included, what did you like about the candidate, what did you not like and would this person make a good superintendent?

A special meeting is held today at 6 p.m. in the Soap Lake High School library. The board may take action on the superintendent position if contract negotiations are finalized.

Soap Lake High School is located at Second Ave. S.W.

For more information, call 509-246-1201.

Originally published March 10, 2010