Through a series of focus meetings conducted by a Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) facilitator last week, the qualities desired in the school district's next superintendent were identified. CASB's Bob Cito met with the school board, certified staff, classified staff and community members Feb. 8 and 9.

Using the "common threads" generated through those focus meetings, he then put the final touches on a brochure which is being distributed this week to interested applicants.

The topics generated during the focus meetings will also be used to develop questions for the three to five finalists who are invited to interview for the position.

At each of the focus meetings, Cito asked the same questons. First he asked participants to describe their communities. Rural, agricultural and diverse were the words used by school board members to describe Delta County. They also recognize that about 67 percent of the county's residents do not have children in school.

Strengths and challenges facing the school district brought thoughtful responses. School board members and area residents agree that the schools are staffed by great teachers and the facilities are well maintained. The new building in Cedaredge will be a wonderful addition when it opens later this spring. Community-parent involvement is considered a strength but also a challenge to maintain. Educational options are plentiful, from Vision to online learning.

For school board members, maintaining small class sizes, keeping schools open and funding state mandates are a challenge when revenues are declining. School board member Cheryl Hines said it's the board's goal to meet those adversities without impacting students or teachers.

At the community meeting in Cedaredge, the issue of equity came up. Parents realize there's an advantage to the small class sizes in the smaller schools, but at the same time, programs and class offerings can be limited by those numbers. They recognize that creating equal opportunities for kids throughout the district is "a big balancing act."

Finally, Cito asked participants to define the qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent.

School board members specified:

• Experience and demonstrated success in a challenging environment.

• An educational background, although that's not required by state statute.

• Outstanding fiscal, management, organizational and communication skills. Strong people skills are also critical. The individual who leads the school district should build strong relationships within the schools and communities.

• The ability to evaluate people and programs, to consider the input of others but be willing to make tough decisions.

A leader who is truly truly interested in collaboration, who is a diplomat, was mentioned at the community meeting in Cedaredge. School board members used the words "consensus builder" to convey a similar desire.

Integrity, open-mindedness, energy and the courage to make hard decisions were also listed.

The topic of the school district's "new direction" came up in Cedaredge. That "new direction" has yet to be defined, prompting Brad Kolman, a former school board member to comment that it's up to the board to establish that vision. Then the new superintendent needs to be made aware of that vision, rather than calling a superintendent "to tell us where we need to go."