PW-S District asks for input as it seeks school chief

PORT WASHINGTON - The Port Washington-Saukville School District rolled out an online survey this week that will be followed by a series of focus group meetings asking for public input in its search for a new superintendent.

The survey is being conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, the Illinois firm the district hired to conduct the search for a new school chief, and asks for feedback on the district’s performance and what characteristics the district’s next superintendent should have. It also allows participants to suggest candidates for the job.

The survey can be accessed at http://survey2.ecragroup.com/index.php/831769?lang=en.

Search firm consultants will begin meeting with various groups next week, with the first meeting for the public at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, in the Port Washington High School Library.

A session for community leaders, which includes local government officials, members of civic and other nonprofit groups and community youth groups such as  Scouts and athletic clubs will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the high school library.

Another meeting for the public, this one held via Zoom, will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 10. The meeting can be accessed through the district’s website at https://wi02215565.schoolwires.net/domain/1013.

During the meetings, consultants will ask participants about the strengths of the School District and what challenges it faces, as well as the characteristcs of the next superintendent.

Noting they will be recruiting superintendent candidates, consultants said they will also ask focus group participants if they know anyone who should be considered for the job.

Participants do not need to register for the groups.

People who are unable to attend a focus group meeting or wish to add additional comments may contact HYA Vice President Mike Richie at mikerichie@hyasearch.com or associate Scott Winch at scottwinch@hyasearch.com.

The School Board plans to narrow the field of applicants to three finalists who will visit the district and participate in a public “meet and greet” session in April, then select a superintendent later that month.

The person selected for the position would presumably replace Interim Supt. Mel Nettesheim, although Nettesheim has said she may seek the job on a permanent basis.