The search has begun for a new superintendent of Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, and outgoing superintendent Jerry McIntire thinks finding a replacement will be difficult.

Monday, January 08, 2001

The search has begun for a new superintendent of Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, and outgoing superintendent Jerry McIntire thinks finding a replacement will be difficult.

&uot;There’s such a shortage of school administrators across the country right now,&uot; he said. &uot;The problem is particularly bad in Iowa.&uot;

McIntire, who has been an educator for 32 years, has been the N-K superintendent since 1991. At that time, he was one of about 40 applicants for the job. He expects far fewer serious candidates this time around.

&uot;I think we would be lucky to get 15 to apply, considering how tight the market is for administrators,&uot; McIntire said. &uot;Hopefully, we can get four or five good candidates. The problem is when there are applicants who aren’t really prepared to actually take the job and move. They just apply to test the waters.&uot;

Many school districts in Iowa are operating without a superintendent while others have interim administrators in the post.

McIntire offered his resignation to the board last month but promised to finish out the year, He wanted to give the board plenty of time to find his replacement, he said.

&uot;It takes about a month just to get the process going as far as placing your ads and making your contacts,&uot; McIntire said. &uot;The interview process can take a few months, too. I wanted to give the board as much time as possible.&uot;

The N-K school district is in fair financial condition overall, McIntire said. But concerns over declining enrollment will present a challenge for the next superintendent.

&uot;It’s a numbers game, the way the state funds the schools. Losing kids is a problem in every rural town,&uot; he said. &uot;The times have changed. Nobody has those big families anymore and we’re an aging population.&uot;

McIntire said concerns over his wife’s health prompted the decision to step down.

&uot;I do need to help my wife take care of her illness right now,&uot; he said. &uot;I’ll probably play a little golf as well. I also enjoy growing flowers.&uot;

McIntire and his wife plan to stay in Northwood when the school year ends.

&uot;It’s been a good town for us,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s treated us pretty fair. I’m thankful I’ve had the chance to work with such professional people.&uot;