Who do YOU want to lead our schools?

Meetings will let public share ideas for Jack Musser’s replacement

By Nancy Townsley

The Forest Grove News-Times, Sep 10, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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He’ll remain at the helm of the Forest Grove School District for another nine months, but the buzz over who will replace Superintendent Jack Musser next July is already audible in town.

Musser, 60, announced his retirement last spring after nine years as top administrator of the 6,100-student district. His one-year contract runs through June 30, 2009.

Part of his job this year, Musser told school board members Monday night, is to prepare the way for a change in leadership.

“We’re interested in knowing what qualities the public wants in the next superintendent,” he said.

Several meetings are planned in October to discern just that. Patrons of the district are invited to community meetings on Thursday, Oct. 2 at Cornelius Elementary School, 200 N. 14th Ave.; Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Tom McCall Upper Elementary School, 1255 Pacific Ave.; and Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the district office, 1728 Main St.

All the sessions will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Connie Potter, director of communications and volunteers for the district, said teachers and students would have separate opportunities to add their input to the mix.

Betsy Miller-Jones of the Oregon School Boards Association will facilitate the meetings. Potter is putting together a brochure touting the district’s programs, to be used to attract candidates from across the country. Musser’s salary this year is $118,348.

The application process will close Jan. 31, 2009. “We hope to have a new superintendent named by mid- to late March,” Potter said.