New Cedar Rapids superintendent must be strong voice for schools

The Cedar Rapids Schools are at critical transition in leadership. As a young student in the district, I was well aware of the most critical decision made by the superintendent - the decision to cancel school on a cold and snowy winter day. In fact, I remember being distraught to learn that the school board had hired Superintendent Stephen Daeschner to lead the district.

Those of us focused on snow days were concerned solely by his pedigree: He came from Alaska. What hearty Alaskan would ever cancel school even on the worst day of winter weather in Iowa?

While still an impactful decision, a candidate's leaning about snow days no longer makes my list of top issues when selecting a new leader for the district.

I believe the board has already done two things right. First, they promptly sought out and hired a nationally recognized search firm ahead of the winter break. This level of expediency is necessary. We must be in a position to make the first offer to the top candidate for our opening.

They also created a public process, asking each of us to participate in this search. ‘Parent and Community Forums' and a teachers-only event have been scheduled this month. An online survey is also available to interested members of the public.

When it comes to the traits I'd like in a new superintendent - beyond just a strong level of academic and professional success - here's what I'd value most:

I want a collaborative leader. We need someone who has a proven track record of actively and directly seeking out the input of our teachers and parents. Any boss can make decisions, but leaders will crave and use the expertise of key stakeholders, such as teachers and parents, when making decisions.

Our next superintendent needs to have a passion to get into each school, to step out from behind a desk and to work with teachers to determine the specific needs in each school building. This leader must be ready to push through red tape and a 'that's how we've always done it” mentality at all levels so that our kids are taught in the ways they will learn best.

I'd love to see someone who would be focused on public relations and the promotion of our district. Cedar Rapids boasts the state's best public high schools, award-winning arts and science programs, an extensive program aimed at teaching all elementary students Spanish and the most National Board Certified teachers of any Iowa school district - and I'm just getting started. Our next superintendent should be the strongest voice touting our story to families in the district and throughout the community.

Finally, I value a national search as is planned, but do hope that we take a look at local and regional talent. If we could hire a collaborative leader, promoter and supporter of our district who has a strong connection to the area, it would be a huge long-term victory for our schools and community.

Recently, a Gazette columnist suggested that the finalists be publicly vetted during the process. I understand his point of view and the value of such a process, but above all else, the board needs to hire the best candidate for this position. If for that reason the candidate search, finalist list and interview process must remain confidential, I'll support that decision.

Instead, I'd advocate for the use of parent, teacher and community representatives who participate in a confidential interview process. This would provide the same value as an open search without the risk of losing the best candidate. This taxpayer believes he is best served by the district hiring the top candidate over hiring only from a pool of potentially inferior candidates who are willing to have their name published in the newspaper.

This is a great opportunity for our district to set a strong course for the future. Whether your priorities are similar or different from mine, I hope you'll take the time to engage and share your thoughts in the search process.

' Scott Drzycimski is the father of two Coolidge Elementary students, a graduate of Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School and former committee chair of RISE CR. He recently was appointed to the Cedar Rapids Community Schools Foundation board of trustees. Comments: scott@iowadski.com

Correction: An earlier version of this column incorrectly named the superintendent who was hired from Alaska.