Community Wants Superintendent with Integrity

Educators, employees and parents filled the Newark Unified School District board room Thursday night to tell board members what qualities they want to see in their next superintendent.

A leader who puts students first, lives in the community in order to understand its pulse and collaborates with all constituents were among the top priorities community members identified during the Board of Education's special meeting.

For retired employee Susan Eustice, a leader who communicates effectively is a priority. 

Newark resident Olga Borjon said she would like the next superintendent to work more with Newark's city council and businesses. 

And others like Mary Clements, Newark chapter president of the California School Employees Association, said the next district chief must recognize what is working within the district. 

"I don't want us to lose what works. Don't wipe the slate clean," Clements said. 

Watch what other parents and employees had to say in our video. 

The board provided attendees with a sheet that outlined qualifications and characteristics the board sought during the search for the district's last superintendent.

Board President Charlie Mensinger said the document was provided as a foundation for the community to build upon.

The qualities that each speaker recommended were noted, and board members said the information will be compiled together with input from other sources, such as letters, emails and phone calls.

Board members emphasized that additional feedback can be submitted during the course of the superintendent search process.

"We really need to hear from everybody," said Ray Rodriguez, board vice president.

Mensinger added, "We want to make this as easy for you as we can."

Four of the five board members attended to hear community ideas. Board member Jan Crocker was absent because of family business.

The superintendent search process is slated to be discussed again at the board's regular school board meeting on May 17.

Thursday's board meeting came just shy of a week after the board to talk with potential applicants. No action was taken at that meeting.