Putnam City Community Speaks Up in Forums, Surveys
Putnam City schools are strong and filled with good teachers but will need the next superintendent to lead the district through challenges in several key areas, parents and teachers speaking in public forums and surveys say.
The forums and surveys are part of Putnam City’s process to find a replacement for current district superintendent Dr. Jim Capps, who is retiring at the end of June. Nearly 300 members of the community, including parents, students, district staff and other patrons, spoke their minds in public forums or in survey responses, identifying district strengths and concerns, priorities and hopes for the district and its new superintendent.
“We’re thrilled to have this input. This is our community, and they’re telling us what about their school district is important to them. We need to read and hear what they have to say and take their thoughts into account as we hire our next superintendent,” says Julie Jenison, president of Putnam City’s board of education.
Below is a summary of responses focusing on key issues identified by those responding.
Putnam City Strengths
One of the frequently identified strengths of the school district is the outstanding teaching staff, including a number of nationally board certified teachers. The community noted “caring, dedicated professionals” providing outstanding educational opportunities for students and focusing on individual needs of children. Respondents say many teachers were once students in Putnam City and have returned home for their teaching careers. Students are rooted in the community, too, often being second and third generations in their families to attend Putnam City schools. The term “forward thinking” was used to describe the curriculum and opportunities for students.
Areas for Improvement
Areas for change or improvement included some discussion of adding facilities such as a pool for district swim teams and athletic facilities to serve activities such as cheer and pom. The changing demographics of the district and the movement of district residents to surrounding districts were a concern. Improved communications and rapport among administrators, teachers, board and community and “selling” the district to real estate agents and potential residents was mentioned.
Strengths of a New Superintendent
Strengths a new superintendent should possess include being a “good listener” and being visible in the schools. “Having vision” was also a common theme as those responding wanted someone to provide the leadership to move the district forward. The superintendent should be someone familiar with school funding and business management. Respondents asked that the superintendent be involved in the Oklahoma City, Bethany and Warr Acres communities the district serves.
Challenges Facing the New Superintendent
Public forum and survey comments suggested that transitions due to retirement of teachers and support staff will be a challenge facing a new superintendent. Class size needs to addressed, respondents said, and the need for aides or assistants in overcrowded classrooms was mentioned. Concerns that students transferring into the district often pose discipline and attendance issues were discussed. Discipline and attendance were frequently cited as areas that need strong, consistent policies and procedures across the district. The enforcement of dress codes and implementation of school uniforms was also discussed. The new superintendent will have to address curriculum changes and issues presented by the No Child Left Behind Act. Budgeting and alternative funding sources will pose challenges. The new superintendent will need to develop a communications plan to include staff in order to build trust and support. Block scheduling was listed as an issue at all high schools, although there was no general consensus about whether it should remain or be replaced. It was suggested that a review or discussion of the format be undertaken.
Focus on Student Achievement
The focus to improve student achievement should be placed on reading and math at all levels. Providing for students who are unable to learn in a traditional setting and expanding alternative settings to better serve these students were suggested. The emphasis on testing from the state and federal level also posed concerns. Respondents said more Advanced Placement courses would benefit students.
Next Steps
Information gathered in forums and surveys is being used by the district’s board of education as the basis for a number of questions asked of candidates for the superintendent’s job. The board is currently in the screening and interview phase of the search process and hopes to wrap up candidate interviews in early April.