11/4/2009 6:14:00 AM
MUSD interim superintendent ready to tackle 'challenges'
| |
|
 |
Dr. Paul Hanley
BBNPhoto/Sue Tone |
|
By Sue Tone
Special to the BBN
The top choice for the position of interim superintendent for Mayer Unified School District stood before the governing board and about 25 teachers and members of the community at Wednesday's Special Board Meeting, and outlined his top three goals for MUSD.
Number one on Dr. Paul Hanley's list is communicating with the district's stakeholders, where everyone shows "kindness and understanding even if they disagree."
The board unanimously approved hiring Hanley on a seven-month contract as interim superintendent and jr./sr. high school principal, beginning Nov. 2 through May 31, 2010. His contract allows for a salary of $7,000 per month with a housing allowance of $1,000 per month.
Hanley hails from Sun Lakes where he maintains a residence with his wife of 41 years, Karen, who also works part time in the education field. He retired officially in 2003 after three years as superintendent of Isaac Elementary School District. Since then, he has worked with four smaller struggling school districts as interim superintendent.
"I have a lot of energy," he told board members with a laugh. "You can only play so much golf."
Hanley said he is not making a long-term commitment to the district - which can be a good thing, he said - and he will help with the search for a permanent superintendent before the end of his contract.
His immediate plan is to meet with the board, staff and parents to develop goals, priorities and needs. He said he would build on the good things and make strong the district's weaknesses in order to move the entire district forward in a positive manner.
"I am here for seven or eight months. I will act like a superintendent and you will think that I'm going to be here forever," he said. "Everywhere I've left, they've asked me to stay or come back. "
In fact, Hanley served three years as superintendent for the Window Rock Unified School District from 1997-2003, then returned at the board's request in 2006 for nearly five months as interim superintendent.
His last stint was in Union Elementary District in Tolleson, which was in state receivership because of its financial troubles. He said the district was back on track within eight months.
In all his positions, Hanley said he couldn't make the changes he did without good, hard-working staff, and with high, but attainable, expectations. Accepting a goal means also accepting accountability - from adults as well as students, he added.
His second goal for MUSD involves setting those high expectations, and the third is instilling a willingness to do whatever it takes to make Mayer Unified a better district.
"I found out 130 students are attending neighboring school districts," he said. "Why? What will it take to get those students back?"
Hanley said the high school has to be a priority. Some of the happiest times in his 40-year career in education were his years as high school principal interacting with students in the Florence and Willcox school districts. He said young adults are sometimes more rational than adults, and showing respect can bring about positive relationships with students.
Mayer Elementary School Principal Patti Leonard expressed her delight in finding Hanley to fill the position.
"I'm elated to have somebody with this much background step in and give direction. It's wonderful," she said.
The next MUSD governing board meeting is Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. in the District Office, Red Brick School House, 12606 E. Main Street, Mayer.
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
