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Phoenix school superintendent position goes to Ben Bergreen By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune PHOENIX - Avoiding what could have been a lengthy and costly search, the school board has given Phoenix's interim schools superintendent the permanent position. Ben Bergreen, 53, was given the interim job after the departure of former superintendent Dave Willard in June. "He's very much a known quantity to us," said board chairman Craig Prewitt. "We were able to make a well-founded decision." The unanimous decision anticipates working out a three-year contract for Bergreen, who earns about $88,000 annually in his interim job. Bergreen has worked as a special education director, teacher, school board member and budget committee member for Phoenix-Talent. He has also worked at the Jackson Education Service District and the Three Rivers School District. Prewitt said the board was criticized by some members of the public who thought a more extensive search should have been conducted. But Prewitt said the search would have been expensive - about $20,000 to $30,000 - and the board thought it could still have been difficult to find someone of Bergreen's qualifications. "When Central Point went on a search, I believe they only found one candidate," said Prewitt. "We were very lucky to promote from within." In many superintendent searches, the board is able to interview a candidate only two or three times because of travel expenses, so it becomes difficult to assess the person's abilities. "Ben has an exceptional knowledge base, especially about issues related to special education," said Prewitt. One of the main challenges Bergreen said he will face is the budget struggle. Last year, the equivalent of 6.5 positions had to be cut, and this year the district could face the same. With costs of salaries and insurance going up roughly 4 percent without an equivalent increase in revenues for the $18 million budget, Bergreen estimated another six positions could be lost. Another threat, he said, is the potential for the governor and Legislature to further reduce funding to schools in light of a $700 million state shortfall. "It will be a challenge to maintain strong economic programs in the face of reduced funding," he said. Particularly worrisome will be the problem of maintaining class sizes with fewer personnel in the 2,800-student district. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.