The search continues for a new leader

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Press Photo by Beth Wischmeyer Superintendent candidate Frank Schill speaks with Amy Axtmann during the open house Tuesday at the Central Administration Building.

Talk about it

The Dickinson Public School Board completed the second in their series of three interviews for candidates to fill the superintendent position Tuesday evening during a special school board meeting.

Frank Schill comes from the Cavalier Public School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2004. He received his specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota in 1999.

Schill was interviewed by Vince Reep, business manager and director of personnel for Dickinson Public Schools, along with members of the board and was asked a variety of questions pre-determined by the board.

When asked how he would interact with the public in Dickinson, Schill said he has not had a problem in the past being viewed as a leader.

“I will certainly make a conscious effort to be available to the public,” Schill said.

Schill was also asked by Reep how he believes morale could be sustained within the district.

“I am only in control of one person’s morale, and that’s mine,” Schill said. “I believe that all are in charge of their own morale.”

When asked what he would do to plan and foster a positive working atmosphere, Schill said he has always operated under an open-door policy.

“I feel it’s important that I get out to the buildings on a regular basis and get to know staff and students,” Schill said. “I’m also a firm believer in chain of command. That is if there is a problem an instructor has with another instructor, or a parent with another instructor, I believe they have to start at that lowest level and work their way up.

“What’s really important is what kind of education the students of Dickinson are getting in the classroom. Really what I’m focusing on is offering quality education to students.”

Schill acknowledged two items which he felt he could improve upon.

“I think there are some intricacies in state funding and also federal funding that I need to become more familiar with and it’s ever-changing,” Schill said. “The other thing I need to work on is that I tend to become impatient with what I consider complacency.”

Candidate Douglas Sullivan will be in Dickinson today, and will undergo an interview at 6:30 p.m. in the Central Administration Building during a special meeting of the school board.

An open house to meet the candidate is scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. today in the Central Administration Building for any employees of Dickinson Public Schools or members of the public who wish to attend.

School Board President Dean Rummel said a decision on the candidate selected to be offered the position will be made tonight following the final interview. The board will then go into executive session to discuss contractual specifics.

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