Long Term

Long Term

The board received a note of sympathy concerning our need to search for a Superintendent from a local resident who has a keen interest in Marietta City Schools. The note went on to encourage us to seek someone who will move him/herself and family to Marietta and put down roots.
The board that retained Dr. Baker was keenly interested in just such commitment. They made a point of stating their preference to have him live in the area, have his children attend our schools and build community relations. And he did.
That is, until life set in and duty to family called from the north to attend to ailing parents. Commuting turned to week-ending and week-ending turned to Mrs. Baker staying north for longer periods attending to her parents. And no one can fault the decision. One would wish for all children to be so attentive.
When Dr. Baker was interviewed one of his observations was that districts in Ohio that excel seem to be districts where the Superintendent has been in place for 10 or more years. Longevity pays dividends. His words and intent were sincere. Life intervened with its own demands. And opportunity knocked.
As previously stated, Dr. Baker leaves a legacy of accomplishment of which he and the district may be proud. His introduction of the Professional Learning Community concept will pay dividends as we learn and grow under its precepts.
Your writer was only indirectly involved with the hiring for Mr. Backus. I hosted him the morning of his final interview and was the director of the meeting where public questioning took place.
I knew the board intended to find someone who would carry on the long term tradition set by so many previous Superintendents. And Mr. Backus stated his intent toward longevity.
About two months after the start of the first school year of Mr. Backus’ time here I met him on the sidewalk near the Talley Ho one lunch time. I greeted him and asked how it was going. He replied ominously, “Jack, I’m going to be the most despised person in town shortly.” I expressed my dismay and he told me of the deep financial woes of the district that would require drastic action to save it from ruin. Further, that had he known the extent of these challenges before taking the job he would not have taken the job.
He went on to vindicate the board saying that they had no way of knowing how many problems were at hand with the finances. Only a very in depth look had revealed the truth.
This community well knows the anguish of closing two schools and discharging 45 employees. Not easy for anyone involved. But that’s what it took to get the spending in line with the revenues. That was the community’s wake up call and no one is eager to push the snooze button and fall back asleep.
Your current board members are keenly aware of the importance of continuity. At the same time, we are also aware of the trends in the profession that lead to shorter tenures in the Superintendent position. We are leaning toward hiring an interim person to give ourselves plenty of time to find a long term solution if one is available.
We welcome input from our fellow citizens and hope to find good ideas in the process. To that extent there will be a special board meeting at 6:00 PM on July 14th for the community to discuss the possible sale of the North Hills building. The meeting will be held at the administration building.