New superintendents reflect on experiences

(AP:HATTIESBURG, Miss.) First-year superintendents Ben Burnett, Debbie Burt and Elizabeth Yankay have had a lot on their plates this year in Lamar and Forrest county schools.

But hearty servings of budget woes and challenges couldn't stop them from reaching their goals this year while learning the ropes of the demanding role.

"The year has been as difficult as I expected it would be," said Burnett, superintendent of Lamar County schools, who oversees more than 8,200 students. "But it's been a blessing to have this opportunity to serve my home district."

Burnett and other superintendents have faced a budget crisis since January when the state announced districts would take a 3.32 percent cut in state funding for this year. For Burnett, that was about $1.2 million.

Despite economic challenges, Burnett launched Communities Reaching Education by Adding Technology Empowerment, or CREATE. The program is designed to raise at least $1 million each year to maintain and expand technologies added to the district in 2005 by Cisco Systems Inc. CREATE has already raised $30,000.

To cut the district's fuel costs, Burnett and the district hired a consultant to form computerized bus routes that will be effective this August.

Burnett also oversaw renovations that added five classrooms at Purvis High School, a field house at Baxterville School and portions of a new roof at Oak Grove High, Purvis High and Purvis Middle.

Also, windows, drainage systems and storage units have been added or replaced along with adding an air conditioning unit to the Oak Grove Middle School gymnasium.

To reduce overcrowding in Oak Grove elementary classrooms, Burnett relocated all gifted classes for second through sixth grades to the original Oak Grove High School on Leaf Lane across from Oak Grove Primary.

Now called the Gifted Center, the building was renovated this summer and has freed up 16 classrooms.

Burnett has also improved customer service by opening branches of the district office in Oak Grove and Sumrall and creating several committees for school improvement.

He's also shifted school board meetings to different campuses so board members can see needs and improvements at schools across the county.

"I'm satisfied that I've addressed the issues I said I would address," Burnett said. "Not that I'm going to sit back and relax now. I love challenges, and I'm constantly setting new goals."

For next school year, Burnett wants to fully develop a five-year facility plan that will give the school board insight about where to locate a new school and what grades it should house.

Burnett said he also plans to help form the school district's new mandatory dress code that will be effective August 2010 while developing ways to increase daily attendance and boost enrollment in vocational programs.

But no journey is complete without a bump in the road.

In October, Oak Grove High School administrators found a bomb threat written on a bathroom stall. In February, substitute teacher George Fries, 29, was arrested on a felony child pornography charge at Purvis Middle School.

"You can't make it through a situations like that by yourself or without a strong faith," said Burnett.

Debbie Burt, superintendent of Forrest County schools, also relied on her faith during trying times this past year.

In April, former Earl Travillion Principal Christopher Furdge resigned after being arrested in a prostitution sting. The same week, longtime bus driver Jackie Keys died after being involved in a collision with a log truck.

"Both incidents were unfortunate, but the loss of Jackie Keys was the hardest thing we dealt with. It was a personal loss to the Forrest County school family, and we're still grieving.

"You truly realize you are the delegated authority," she said. "Things have to be handled effectively, efficiently and in such a manner people have confidence you will take care of their children."

Burt, who has been in education for 31 years, is responsible for more than 2,400 students.

As superintendent, she spent the past year battling the budget, providing more professional development opportunities to teachers and creating a team atmosphere between students, teachers and administrators across the district.

"I don't have one-way conversations," she said. "I want everyone to feel like they are a part of the decision-making process and that all opinions are valid."

To do that, Burt helped teachers and administrators increase collaboration through more meetings and conference calls. She also implemented a team awards program for classes and schools.

"It's great to be outstanding as an individual," she said. "But it's better to be outstanding as a member of a team."

For next year, Burt plans to institute more instructional programs, possibly tweak the district's homework and grading policies and bid out roof projects for North Forrest High School and Rawls Springs, North Forrest and South Forrest attendance centers.

Her priority, she said, will be raising student achievement on state tests and improving the district's new ranking that will be released this fall.

"We have another year of hard work ahead of us," she said. "But I believe we only have wonderful things ahead, and I'm truly blessed to part of it."

Elizabeth Yankay also feels blessed to have been ushered into the Forrest County Agricultural High School family this past year, although the role was more challenging than expected.

"No matter how many college classes you take or how many degrees you have, you're not prepared for the day-to-day responsibilities of a superintendent," said Yankay, who oversees more than 500 students. "It's been hard."

One challenge Yankay inherited was the school being placed on a federally mandated improvement plan for not meeting yearly progress guidelines for two consecutive years under prior administration.

Yankay was required to author the school's plan of improvement that was submitted and approved earlier this year

Through federal money allocated to the school to implement improvement programs, Yankay instituted an after-school tutoring program that provides food and transportation home to all students. She's also sent numerous teachers to professional development training.

"It's been tough at times," she said. "But we're doing everything we need to do to make sure the school isn't here again."

Last year, Yankay also implemented a summer credit recovery program and worked to involve students, teachers and parents in the school's daily operations.

To do that, Yankay allowed students to amend the dress code policy and teachers to participate in the hiring of school administrators.

Next year, Yankay aims to work with the Student Council to create a student mentor program for freshmen.

"I want this school to do well," she said. "And most importantly I want our students to know we listen and care about them."

Yankay knows that may not always be obvious, especially when making tough decisions.

Earlier this year, Yankay said the school board agreed with her recommendation to cancel the school's driver's education program for one year to make room in the school's strapped $4.3 million budget.

"I've had to make some hard decisions, and even though I feel like it's in the best of interest of the school, I've still been criticized," she said. "Everyone may not agree with me, but I just want people to understand where I'm coming from."

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Information from: Hattiesburg American, http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com

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