Board presses for simpler superintendent evaluation, aims to finalize by March

The Mill A School District Board of Directors agreed to rework its superintendent evaluation process and aim to complete the review at the March meeting.

Board member John, who drafted an initial form, said the panel should favor clarity and narrative feedback over an unwieldy numeric system: "I tried to compile this into a more simplified questionnaire... one to two pages" and proposed a four-point rubric (Needs improvement, Basic/Developing, Proficient, Exemplary) to replace a 1–10 scale. Several board members supported the smaller rubric as easier to apply and to discuss toward a consensus rather than producing an averaged score.

The discussion covered scope and evidence: members noted that some board members are newer and may rely on colleagues' observations for areas they have not personally seen. One board member urged that the evaluation cover the superintendent role (which also includes principal duties in this district) and that narrative comments explain ratings so the superintendent has actionable feedback.

John said he will revise the form to the four-tier rubric and circulate a PDF in advance of the March meeting; the board asked for the option of printed copies for members who prefer them. The group also agreed the evaluation should inform a short list of district priorities or goals for the superintendent for the coming year.

Next steps: the board expects the revised evaluation form in advance of the March meeting and plans to use that meeting to discuss and, if possible, reach a consensus on the evaluation and related priorities.