Students’ hands shot up when asked what they thought about the school they attend and how they wanted it to change. These thoughts impact the process of selecting the next high school principal.

  Before summer, students will know the principal’s identity for the upcoming school year.

Human resources director Richard Kreyer said it’s important for students to be involved.

“Leadership matters. The principal sets the tone for the high school,” Kreyer said.

“They select the teachers that ultimately teach the students.”

The administration is using an outside firm, Kyte Consulting, to help narrow the list of candidates after advertising and posting the position opening.

Students, staff, parents and other community members  provided input at a stakeholder listening session April 9.

Freshman Brooklyn Donelson said she participated in the discussion to ensure her voice was heard.

“More people should have been engaged,” Donelson said. “The whole system revolves around us getting our education.  The principal should treat us like people and not look down on us.”

The student listening session involved students posing potential questions they would ask in an interview with candidates.

Charlie Kyte and Ken Dragseth, members of Kyte Consulting, told students these questions may be used in an actual interview with candidates.

Kreyer said the administration is aiming to exceed expectations with this session.

Senior Shmuel Lyubeznik said he was skeptical of the session, but it was a positive experience.

“There wasn’t enough care in the student body,” Lyubeznik said. “I  don’t believe those ideas (from the session) could genuinely be interviewed for.” 

The administration is legally obligated not to release the names of candidates.

The administration will announce two to three finalists prior to the second round of interviews April 21-23. The final decision will be publicly announced sometime between May 12-15.