The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Three superintendent finalists have lined up for a chance to take the reins of the Sisters School District.

All three will return to Sisters next week to learn more about local schools and the community. What they already know is that the Sisters job comes with a fairly large backlog of problems and challenges.

The fact that current superintendent Ted Thonstad is leaving because he does not have the full support of the school board is no secret. All three finalists agree with Thonstad that to be effective a superintendent must have the support and backing of the school board. However, their individual interpretations of exactly what this means vary.

According to finalist Elaine Drakulich, who is currently the assistant superintendent of the North Clackamus School District in Milwaukie, Oregon, unless a superintendent has the support and confidence of the board "the work on behalf of children cannot move forward."

Finalist Dennis Friedrich, who is currently the superintendent of the Rainier School District in Rainier, Washington, told The Nugget that "the real skill (of a superintendent) is working with all board members in a manner that elicits trust and confidence. An open air of communication is vital."

For finalist Andy Sommer, who is currently the principal of Wilsonville High School in Wilsonville, Oregon, full board support is always the preference. However, "it is unrealistic to expect that every issue will be unanimous," he said. "What is most important is the board's and superintendent's ability to work together as a team and amicably resolve issues, even when there is a difference of opinion."

The reality that the district is slated to lose up to $1.2 million in the funding it normally receives from the state as a result of a disallowed homeschool program is also an issue with which the candidates must grapple. (See "State comes down hard on Sisters School District," The Nugget , September 20, 2006, page 1.) When it comes to dealing with such a reduction in the budget, the three candidates are not adverse to the challenge.

"I believe, said Drakulich, "no matter what the financial situation, with this long-standing commitment to the education of Sisters' children, we will find our way to excellence." According to Drakulich a district's goals are a blueprint "for how to develop capital and where to spend it."

Friedrich is confident that the problems that would be created by a significant budget cut can be overcome. He would closely examine the budget to determine the specific "hows, whens and whys" of dealing with the problem.

"Certainly, it will take the collective thinking and input from a variety of stakeholders in order to make those decisions," he said.

Sommer is optimistic that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) will "not require the Sisters School District to reduce services to its students in order to fix a problem that our young people did not create."

If all or a portion of the $1.2 million has to be repaid, Sommer favors a repayment plan over several years to avoid significant budget cuts, an option that the state superintendent of public instruction Susan Castillo has already offered the district.

Although the three finalists have not yet spent enough time in the district to thoroughly sense its pulse, they know that former school board chairman Rob Corrigan resigned earlier this year because of what Corrigan termed an "atmosphere and level of distraction" that make it impossible to help the schools.

They are observing a community that is vocal about its schools and individuals who challenge both the district and the school board about its policies and practices.

Working in a district that has high expectations for its schools is nothing new to Drakulich.

"I am no stranger to vigorous debate over important school policies," she said. "The key is for the board and community to become a collaborative vehicle to find solutions. This is achieved by developing a culture of mutual respect and transparency in decision making."

"Controversy, while uncomfortable, does reflect interest on the part of the community. For every one issue of concern, Sisters presents a myriad of positive happenings," Friedrich said. "I have never shied away from situations but have only viewed them in light of my ability to assist all to arrive at a possible win/win solution."

Sommer welcomes all district residents, even those who are critical, to contribute "to the future of the Sisters School District." According to Sommer, if a lack of confidence in the district, the board and the superintendent really exists, "the best way to rebuild that trust and confidence is to address concerns openly."