Survey shows people want next superintendent to take Omaha Public Schools in new direction
Related video above: Cheryl Logan reflects on her Omaha Public Schools tenure
Change is needed: That's one takeaway from a survey commissioned by Omaha Public Schools, as the district begins the search for a new superintendent.
In the survey, 57% of those asked said the Omaha Public School board should find a superintendent ready to take the district in a different direction.
Meanwhile, 34% want someone who can make changes but maintain the same basic management philosophy as Cheryl Logan, who resigned as superintendent.
Logan will leave Omaha Public Schools at the end of June after five years with the district.
The study, conducted by GR Recruiting, will be reviewed by the Omaha Public School board during Monday night's meeting.
Of those who responded: 66% said staff recruitment and retention is the most critical issue facing the new superintendent. That's followed by academic outcomes, mental health services, teacher quality, special education and communication.
In the survey, 91% said it's important or very important for the board to prioritize a superintendent candidate's knowledge of public education finance.
Plus, 89% said the candidate should understand the district's culture and dynamics, and 84% of those asked if it's important or very important that the next superintendent be "culturally competent and aware of equity and inclusion."
"Disappointed" and "frustrated" were the most common words used by those who responded to describe the district. Other top words: "hopeful," "proud," and "concerned."
The study was not a random sampling; it reflects only those who took the initiative to respond.
Nearly six out of ten were staff members, and less than half identified as parents of current or future Omaha Public Schools students.