Residents voice concerns over hiring

PAMPLICO — Residents of the Pamplico community voiced concerns about the process of hiring a new superintendent to lead Florence School District 2 and characteristics of a leader during a community forum Thursday night.
Superintendent Dr. Steve Quick’s contract will end in June.
Board chairman Johnny Jenkins led the forum that was attended by school board members and about 50 community members.
Jenkins said the purpose of the meeting was to have community input on the characteristics and qualifications the community wanted to see in a superintendent.
Calvin Daniels, a Pamplico resident, said he was concerned with the process of the superintendent search and Quick’s involvement.
Daniels said he was concerned about Quick being able to receive applications for the position and asked the school board not to allow Quick to have input on who the new superintendent would be.
“As a board, you have been elected by the community to make this decision,” Daniels said. “We feel that you need to make that decision totally separate from the current superintendent.”
He also said the board should take its time when searching for the new superintendent.
“We asked that you not sacrifice accuracy for speed,” he said.
Kay Packett, another Pamplico resident, said she wanted to see a superintendent who was committed to having strong instructional leadership.
“I think we have too many kids falling between the cracks,” Packett said. “I think too many of our children aren’t doing what they’re capable of because we don’t have the instructional leadership that we need.”
Other characteristics and qualifications the community members said included knowledge of technology, federal regulations and standards; one who lives in the community; skills to locate grants for special needs programs and other needs; possess a strong financial background; and having a great personality.
Some community members also suggested finding a superintendent that is from a similar district as Pamplico and forming a committee made up of community members, faculty and staff, to choose the superintendent. Jenkins said the board would review the citizens’ comments when discussing the new superintendent. Dec. 31 is the last day to apply for the position.