Public input needed in search for new Palliser Schools superintendent

LETHBRIDGE – After terminating its contract with former superintendent Kevin Gietz, Palliser Regional Schools is now looking for someone to fill his position.
 
The board of trustees’ decision went into effect on February 28, 2017, without notice or payment in lieu of notice. Acting Superintendent Dr. Garry Andrews will continue to hold the position for now.
 
A recently completed organizational review of Palliser Schools was originally requested by Gietz, after allegations of bullying and unwelcome physical contact toward female employees were made against him online more than a year ago. Before being relieved of his position, Gietz was placed on paid leave on August 24, 2016, without assigned duties.
 
The board of trustees is now working to address 21 recommendations within the 220-page document.
 
In order to create an ideal candidate profile for the superintendent position, the board is asking staff, students, parents and the public to answer a short, anonymous survey. The single question being posed is, “What is the most important quality the new superintendent of schools should possess to be successful and best serve the students of Palliser Regional Schools?”
 
Submissions can be made until the end of the day on April 7. All of the responses will then be reviewed to figure out the qualities and attributes most important to stakeholders, Dr. Andrews said in a media release.
 
As part of the hiring process, the board of trustees will also recruit the services of an executive search consultant, who will seek out qualified candidates for consideration. Those interested in the consulting role can submit a proposal to Robert Strauss, board chair, until 2:00 p.m. on April 4.
 
Dr. Andrews hopes that the survey results will be released publicly by the time the consultant is selected and begins their work.
 
An ombudsperson will also be chosen to handle any internal and external stakeholder complaints, and report back to the board of trustees. This was among the recommendations from Palliser’s organizational review. Strauss will be accepting proposals for the ombudsperson role until 2:00 p.m. on April 11.
 
Stakeholders are invited to offer further feedback on 10 draft board policies that are the first phase of an extensive policy review. A second set of policies will go up for consultation some time in May.