New supers getting ready for school

School may still be out for the summer for most people, but not for two new Valley school superintendents who are getting a crash course in their new districts before classes begin next month.

Ben Small, former superintendent of the Columbia School District in Burbank, Wash., was hired by Central Valley School District in April. John Glenewinkel, former superintendent of the Ellensburg School District, was hired in April by the East Valley School District. Both started their new positions on July 1.

Small, who calls himself a learner, has been traveling the district learning all he can. “I think it’s more than just meeting people,” he said. “It’s listening; it’s reading reports. The work energizes me. It’s exciting to get to know the organization and the community.”

Glenewinkel has read all East Valley’s policies and has already toured buildings and met with principals. “I’m just trying to get a feel for what are the most pressing issues facing the district right now,” Glenewinkel said. “Things have been going really well. Everybody has been very helpful and very kind. This feels like the right place to be. It’s a very comfortable feeling.”

Small had a baptism by fire in his second week on the job when the Valley View fire erupted in the Dishman Hills. Two hours after the fire began, the Red Cross called about using University High School as a shelter. “We had that building open in 15 minutes,” he said. “When the Red Cross showed up, we were ready to go.”

Small was at the school until midnight and was surprised at the number of people who arrived to help out. “You learn about a community in those times as well,” he said.

Horizon Middle School was also in use as a base camp for firefighters. Small said he was pleased by district staff members who went above and beyond the call of duty at the two schools. “It was good to see our staff at work,” he said.

When Small was hired, some people commented on the low student population at his old district (960) compared with the nearly 12,000 students at Central Valley. Small said he hasn’t had any problems adjusting. “I don’t think there’s a conversation I’ve had here that’s different than conversations I’ve had back in Burbank,” he said. “There’s the same type of issues.”

Small has already visited some schools and plans to return once school is in session. “It’s important to take some time in classrooms, not just do a walk-by.”

He hasn’t decided yet how to fill the vacant assistant superintendent position, saying he wants time to consider his options. Small frequently mentions his goal of “thoughtful change.” “I’m not ready to unveil huge changes,” Small said.

He promises to be open and transparent in his dealings with the community. “We have a lot to learn about how we’re perceived by the community. I think you build inroads by reaching out to people.”

During his travels in East Valley, Glenewinkel said he’s hearing that people want him to provide direction. “The folks here really seem to be dedicated and committed to moving forward,” he said. “They’re hoping and trusting I can provide a consistent direction.”

One of his first tasks after arriving was to oversee the 2008-2009 budget. All school districts must approve their budgets in August. “This staff did such a great job of managing the resources last year,” he said. “The budget for this year was pretty much set. I didn’t have to come in and make major, sweeping changes.”

Glenewinkel is without an assistant superintendent for operations, but has no plans to fill the position for now. He hired an assessment/staff development coordinator to take on some of the duties handled by the assistant superintendent for curriculum, Jan Beauchamp. “I think we can get by this year,” he said.

Glenewinkel sees passing a bond as one of his first major tasks, after a proposed $33 million bond failed twice this year. But the district also has a maintenance and operations levy renewal coming up that is an integral part of the budget. “In these economic times, people pick one or the other,” he said. “The levy is essential to our current level of operation.”

Like all new superintendents, Small and Glenewinkel have been assigned a local mentor. Both have been assigned to Tom Rockefeller, superintendent of the Mead School District.

“It’s a very nice thing that (Washington Association of School Administrators) coordinates for us,” Glenewinkel said. “I’ve served in a mentor role a number of times.”

It’s always helpful to have someone local to help a new superintendent learn the lay of the land. “There are a few subtleties across regions of the state,” he said. “Regions tend to have some unique differences.”

As soon as Glenewinkel buys a house and gets a new phone number, he plans to list his home phone number on the school district’s Web site and encourages people to call him or send him an e-mail. “I want to be available,” he said. “I really want to know what folks think about the district.”