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TEACHER'S TIPS A wish list for Ashland schools' next superintendent Comment By Paul Huard DailyTidings.com By Paul Huard Posted Mar. 21, 2016 at 7:58 PM By Paul Huard Posted Mar. 21, 2016 at 7:58 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Ashland to hire interim superintendent • Teacher's Tips: Are we stressing too much over students' 'stress'?... • Get the most from your parent-teacher conference » Social News Many thoughts went through my mind when I heard that Jay Hummel, the Ashland School District superintendent, tendered his resignation earlier this month. Here are a few: First, Jay is a gifted leader and consummate educational professional. He always has the best interests of students, the community, and district staff in mind — and how he balances the needs of all three groups in a way that benefits us all is amazing. I will miss Jay sorely, and I completely understand his desire to live closer to his immediate family. Next, finding a new superintendent for the Ashland public schools who understands the community and the unique educational advantages we offer students K-12 will be no easy task. It’s not an impossible task — I am confident that the school board, community and district employees will work hard to find the right person. If I have learned anything during my 12 years in the district, people in Ashland care about education. That means they will care enough to find the right person for the job and they will find him or her. It’s just a matter of time. But I have to admit, I also thought: What do I hope the next superintendent will bring to the district? Here’s my wish list. It is (as always) just one teacher’s opinion. But it is also the opinion of a parent whose youngest son graduated from Ashland High School in 2011 and the opinion of a person who dearly loves the community. First and foremost, the new superintendent should be someone who entered educational leadership because he or she cares deeply about children and their education. I’ve seen superintendent candidates who were too often solely motivated by a desire to make the next career step, not step into a role where kids still matter first and foremost. I hope the next superintendent is someone who has extensive classroom experience. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities of classroom instruction — even the elements of the profession that are part of the “daily grind” — gives a superintendent a perspective not only on teachers, but what it takes to educate all manner of children. There is no substitute for experience. At all grade levels, Ashland public schools offer children one of the richest and most comprehensive educational experiences in the nation. In face of many challenges — tightening budgets, inescapable political mandates and burgeoning class sizes — the teachers and staff offer our students incredible opportunities, ranging from art and music education throughout the grade levels to the humanities “selectives” at the high school that have the elements of a classical education. The test scores and honors the district earns and receives are evidence of the results we achieve. The new superintendent needs to know how to maintain and build on that success. By the way, I wouldn’t mind a superintendent who also understands the vagaries of Oregon legislative politics and school funding in order to deal with the fiscal and policy mandates issued by Salem. No doubt, my suggestions will be among dozens, perhaps hundreds, voiced. Ashland’s citizens always express their desires and concerns. I am confident that the school board will listen to the community’s advice and take it to heart. Whoever gets the job, he or she will need to know what a gift the Ashland schools are. That calls for special person. My best wishes to the school board as they search for that unique person for a unique school district. A former reporter who covered politics and government for newspapers in California and Oregon, Paul R. Huard teaches social studies and English courses at Ashland High School. The opinions he expresses are his own. By Paul Huard DailyTidings.com By Paul Huard Posted Mar. 21, 2016 at 7:58 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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