Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

To the 420 people who completed the survey for the superintendent search for Albert Lea Area Schools.

Hats off to the 420 people who took time out of their busy lives to fill out the public survey for the superintendent search for Albert Lea Area Schools. The survey asked questions about characteristics and skills people want to see in the next superintendent and whether people think the person hired should have prior superintendent experience.

It also asked what are some of the biggest successes and challenges currently facing the district.

It was interesting to see how many of the responses lined up for the different responding groups, whether they were staff, parents or guardians, students, community members, business owners, district partners, farmers or some other category. Similar priorities were shared.

If people didn’t have the opportunity to fill out the survey but would like to be involved, the public is open to watch the interviews.

Board members are slated to determine the finalists in their March 18 meeting, to conduct the first round of interviews March 26 and to conduct the second round interviews on March 31.

The school board also approved allowing representatives from various groups to provide feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates. For more information about the search visit www.alschools.org.

To the individuals inducted this year into the Wall of Inspiration at Albert Lea High School.

Congratulations to the 10 people who were added to the Wall of Inspiration at Albert Lea High School on Friday.

The Wall of Inspiration has been at the school since 2004, when the Kuphal family developed the idea to honor members of the Albert Lea High School family who had inspired others to be better than they thought they could be. The wall honors Josh Kuphal, a former Albert Lea High School graduate who died from spina bifida.

The individuals recognized this year are involved in many efforts but all have one thing in common: They have inspired others to be better people.

We thank them for sharing their light with those around them and encourage everyone to not underestimate the influence they can have for good on others around them.