Sometimes things are built or organized, but "they" still don't come. Last Thursday night, Dr. Robert Heller, the consultant engaged by the Garden City Board of Education to help them in their search for a new superintendent of schools, spoke at an important public meeting in the library of the high school. A total of ten people, without counting the School Board trustees, the public relations director for the district, and the president of the Teacher's Association, attended. The meeting was announced at the four POA meetings held the prior week, as well as several other school meetings, and it was mentioned in the last paragraph of a page one story and in a press release from the district, which appeared on page eight of Garden City Life last week. Residents who did attend all expressed dismay to see so few of their fellow residents interested in contributing to the search process and learning more about it.

School Board President Linda Leone opened the meeting by introducing Dr. Heller and describing his accomplishments. Dr. Heller is a member of the Commissioner's State Advisory Council on Equal Opportunities for Women, a professor emeritus in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership at SUNY Buffalo, and an experienced teacher and administrator. He has served as a consultant for the Minority Affairs Committee of the American Association of School Administrators and as executive secretary of the Western New York Educational Service Council, a research and service arm of SUNY Buffalo. He has been a consultant for 30 years and has conducted over 200 superintendent searches, having helped districts here on Long Island, such as Hewlett-Woodmere, Cold Spring Harbor, Uniondale, Jericho, Manhasset, Harborfields, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Lindenhurst, Sachem, and Smithtown.

Dr. Heller then rose and handed out a questionnaire, which he says he's been handing to everyone in the groups he's met with thus far, and will use the answers on each to help him develop a profile of the ideal candidate for the district. The questionnaire called for each person to rate the importance of criteria for the superintendent in order of significance.

The statements regarding the criteria were: earned a doctoral degree from an accredited university; prior successful experience as a superintendent; experience in NY; knowledge and experience in areas of administration and instructional technology; successful relations in working with teachers and other employees and staff organizations; strong educational leadership, capable of standing up for his/her beliefs and convictions; knowledge of modern principles of fiscal management; public relations, obtains good public understanding and support for the schools; keeps the Board of Education well informed; child centered, an advocate for the learner; experience with changing enrollments and redistricting; delegates authority well and holds subordinates accountable; commitment to involvement of others in decision making process; visible in schools and community; skilled in working successfully in a highly political environment; credible, honest person of integrity; proven ability to unify groups within community and school; academic oriented background, strong in curriculum; successful experience in district comparable to GCUFSD; communicates well, listens, writes well, speaks articulately; superior intellect; ability to identify problems, establish priorities and implement solutions; possess clear vision for public education; experience in working through major construction or renovation projects.

Dr. Heller explained that the administrative field is seeing a decrease in the number of people pursuing careers in it, and so the "pool" of available candidates is limited and many districts across the country will be competing against one another within this limited pool. He added that he is aware of about 11 school districts right here on Long Island that are currently involved in searching for a new superintendent, thus making Garden City's search that much more of a challenge. He noted that if one were to compare the situation to the real estate market, that this would be "a buyer's market."

Heller made it clear that he does not pick the superintendent for the district, rather, it is entirely up to the School Board, he simply presents the Board with a list of possible candidates who match the profile of their desired candidates. He explained that unlike teachers and other employees who work for the district, the superintendent works directly for the Board of Education, and the Board is compelled by law to have a superintendent. "My obligation and responsibility is to help the Board find the best candidate for the job. I'm not a placement agency; I don't help candidates get jobs" he said. He added, "I am under no obligation to help the candidates."

In response to questions from the audience as to why he doesn't sit in on the interviews conducted by the Board, he replied, "I had sat in on interviews in the past, but I found that often they were playing up to me during the interview, hoping that even if it didn't work out with that Board, that I would help them out elsewhere, in another district." He re-emphasized, "The superintendent works for and at the will of the Board. They will ultimately make the decision. The Board will have the responsibility to make this person responsible."

In outlining the timeline for the process, Heller said that first he will develop a recruitment brochure, which announces the opening, how to apply, a statement about the district, information about the Board of Education and the community, the salary, notes on the staff, etc. This brochure will be sent out across the country to special interest groups for women and minorities and other professional organizations. An advertisement will run in The New York Times and in professional publications for the school administration field. He says the idea is to "try to get as large a pool as possible."

Candidates will be asked to send an individual letter, complete an application, and include an update résumé. Credentials from their college or university will also be required. The closing date will be in early April. From the responses Heller will attempt to identify 12-20 of those who appear to match the profile the closest, "at least on paper," he said. Then he will sit down with the Board and get the number down to eight or nine.

Once he has the shorter list before him, Heller says he'll call each of the candidates to determine "if they're really serious." Then he'll begin a background check on each of the serious candidates. If the candidate was or is currently a superintendent, then Heller will call the Board of Education, the PTA, and the BOCES of that area, to learn all he can about the candidate's performance. He says he will go back two or three positions to determine why they left -- "for advancement or to stay one step ahead of the lynch mob." He also added that he has contacts at "most major colleges and universities" and will call the school the candidate attended to "find out their intellectual capacity," he said. He also acknowledged, "There's no such thing as the perfect candidate -- they all have their strengths and weaknesses."

Dr. Heller asked those gathered in the library to share with him what they thought the positive features of the Garden City School District are to help him in his recruitment brochure.

Lynn Hayes noted that there is a tremendous opportunity in the form of a challenge present within the district. She said she believes the district tends to be "staid educationally" and that the superintendent would find a rewarding challenge there in terms of attempting to incorporate contemporary educational methods or approaches and the curriculum.

Mort Yuter said that he believes that the unique form of Village government in Garden City, with its volunteerism, rather than paid trustees, attracts people to the community who are "more community minded," which he feels is a strong plus. He also noted that Garden City has a "strong, very active, and very supportive PTA, two Westinghouse finalists, a strong science research program at the high school, a School Board willing to financially support staff developments, and a university within the Village [Adelphi] and a major university within two miles of the Village [Hofstra]." Yuter added that with Manhattan so close, high tech industries blooming on Long Island, etc., that there would be plenty of career opportunities for the candidate's spouse as well. He commented that with fishing, boating, and other Long Island attractions, there would be something for their whole family, noting in particular the many golf clubs and social organizations within Garden City itself.

Estates President Bob Rothchild noted that the job market on Long Island and its economy have "almost totally recovered from the defense downsizing" of the past and that there should be no real problem for the spouse of the new superintendent in terms of finding their own career opportunities. He also noted that there is "a very good sports program in not just the schools, but in the community. Sports are very well coordinated in the Village."

Carole Dean, the public relations director for the district, commented that because of programs like Adult Education and Senior Connections, "I think the schools have become a welcoming place. We have a gold card for the seniors, getting them in free to shows and concerts at the schools."

Kathy Auro noted the many clubs and activities, particularly Masquers, which is presenting their children's show for the community on Feb. 6 (see page 3 for more). She said that many members of the community come out to support all of the Masquers shows and the other theater groups in the community.

Dr. Heller then asked people to comment on the problems in the district.

Arnold Finnemore commented that he sees the state's mandates on Special Education as draining on the district's resources. Lynn Hayes, however, noted that she believes the district has " a very strong special education program, which I think is something a superintendent would be very pleased to see." In terms of negative aspects of the district, Hayes commented that she sees the community's resistance to change as a problem. She also noted that there is a tendency to "not move forward" in terms of plans.

Maureen Cornacchia commented that the district had in the past allowed the school buildings to deteriorate and while the new bond has passed and plans for upkeep and maintenance have been outlined, the superintendent will have to work very hard with various committees and the Board of Education to make sure that they are "never again allowed to fall into disrepair."

Several attendees agreed that the population issues will be both a negative and positive challenge to the superintendent.

Dr. Heller then asked what people want to see in a superintendent.

Mort Yuter had prepared a "wish list" for those in attendance and Dr. Heller. His list includes such items as: a strong advocate of excellence with a commitment to the effective education of each child; aware of what challenges our students will face as an American in the 21st century and a plan to prepare the schools for the best possible performance; open to change and innovation in curriculum, teaching methods and students and staff evaluation; and strongly supportive of staff development and effectiveness in their job of educating children; commitment to professionalism, responsibility and performance of all staff. He also added that the superintendent should go into the community to bring groups like the Men's Association on board for school projects and plans.

Arnold Finnemore began his comments by saying, "I'm going to get stones thrown at me," and then argued that the district needs someone with a sense of "practicality" who will "restrain" spending and give "due consideration for the pocketbook." He said he wants someone who will not only listen to parents, but to those "stodgy" residents who "believe in more old fashioned ways" of educating children. He also questioned the necessity of educating children in the use of modern technology.

Lynn Hayes said she would like to see someone with a strong academic background with good communication skills, who can communicate to the many parents groups, community organizations, and staff organizations.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Dr. Heller for explaining the process and all in attendance handed in their questionnaires for his review. The next meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 8:15 p.m. in the administration building.