Responding to Community Concerns

In the spring of 2004, the OISB met for its annual retreat. During that retreat, a discussion ensued addressing community and staff concerns about the size of the district administration and resulting costs. Community concerns seemed primarily focused on having a superintendent and two principals in such a small district, with repeated suggestions that the Orcas Island School District (OISD) simply consolidate with one or more other island school districts and hire one superintendent for all. Staff concerns revolved around administrator pay scales.

It was decided at the retreat that a review of the administrative structure was needed.  In the autumn of 2004 a committee was composed to begin review of the administration. Then, in January 2005, the sitting superintendent unexpectedly tendered his resignation.  It became evident to both the OISB and the ASR Committee that the review might now have particular practical application. Any information gleaned by the Committee could be utilized by the School Board in reassessing the superintendent position prior to re-hiring. This report is the result of the Committee's year long review of the administration.