Saturday, June 5, 2021
Features 13
Changing of the guard
Donaldson retires, Hansen steps in as superintendent Compiled by Cecelia Thomas Staff Reporter The Bengal’s Purr: What has been one of your favorite things about your job? Donaldson: Going to the different classes and building relationships with the kids -- the energy in the classrooms. Graduations and rehearsals were always fun, and so was getting to know the seniors. Purr: What made you decide to become an educator? Donaldson: My mom was an educator and she had a lot of passion for it. Purr: Through all the years you have worked at the school district, what is your proudest memory? Dr. Robert Donaldson Donaldson: I guess the obvious one would be the night the bond was passed for the new high school. I have been through multiple attempts to have the bond passed and have seen the bond not be passed through multiple times. When the bond was passed it was passed at 76% in favor -- something unheard of and extremely hard to do. This really showed a community sense of pride and unity. Purr: What changes in the school district do you hope to see in the future? Donaldson: I hope we’re in a position to really move the needle in academic performance, and with that; the opportunity for students to reach their aspirations and goals. If you create the environment for students to be successful and be actively invested in that, then their academics will benefit everyone in the long run. Purr: How has your work changed the way you handle challenges with people? Donaldson: I really engage people to see where they’re coming from, and try to understand the playing field. If I had a strength it would be putting people in places where they will be successful. True leadership isn’t putting yourself above all others, it’s making sure your team can be successful with you. Purr: Did you always want to be a superintendent? Donaldson: After I finished my doctoral work at the University of Idaho I went to Washington State University for three years. I worked on a grant, and realized I was bored to death. I wanted to get back in the public schools. Purr: What was your dream job when you were growing up? Donaldson: I wasn’t the best high school student. Then I went to community college and Penn State. I worked at ranches in Wyoming in the summer, so I guess my dream job would have been to do that -- moving cattle hundreds of miles to other ranches. But then I got married and my wife told me I had to grow up. Purr: Is there anything you would have changed about your experience with the Lewiston School District? Donaldson: When I think of each student who I’ve developed a relationship with who didn’t graduate, I wish we could have done something more. Purr: What is the most important decision you have made during your job? Donaldson: Making the decision to open back up for face-to-face teaching (in 2020). Purr: Do you have any fun plans for after you retire? Donaldson: Recreational fly fishing, and I’m also doing part-time work for the state department of education.
By Emma Cuddy Staff Reporter The Bengal’s Purr: How long have you been assistant superintendent? Lance Hansen: Eight years. Purr: What has Bob taught you about being a superintendent? Hansen: Dr. Donaldson has taught me many things -- leadership in general -- because when he was the principal at the high school, I was the assistant principal. When he was the superintendent here I was the assistant superintendent. But most importantly, he taught me more in regards to evaluating situations and having a very broad perspective, and taking in multiple points of view before makLance Hansen ing a decision. Purr: What does a superintendent do? Hansen: The superintendent is hired by the (school district) board of directors. They work directly with and answer to the board of directors. Their role is to ensure that the policies set forth by the board of directors are enforced, are followed, as well as providing leadership for the district and carrying out the directions from the board of directors. So the board of directors will have priorities that will be given to the superintendent. The superintendent’s obligation or job is to ensure that those things are coming to fruition. Purr: What does an assistant superintendent do? Hansen: The assistant superintendent has more specific roles when it comes to departments. ... As the assistant superintendent I was responsible for maintenance, custodial, food services, transportation, human resources and information technology or the network office. In essence, the assistant superintendent kind of oversees the operations of the district -- operations as in how kids are fed, making sure that we have lights on and the buildings are appropriate temperatures. My job (has been) not to fix it but to ensure that our buildings are functioning properly -- that our students have safe and comfortable environments. Purr: Who will be the new assistant superintendent? Hansen: At this time that position has not been advertised. Purr: What plans do you have for the future as superintendent? Hansen: The most important thing for me as I’m looking forward is to have a conversation with the board of directors to set the priorities for the district moving into next year. That hasn’t happened yet. So, that will be my focus -ensuring that the board of directors’ goals that we set for the district are being carried out, or that we are at least working towards those goals. Specifically, for me the emphasis that I have, or will have, next year is ensuring that the working environment or classroom environments are conducive for all children to learn in.
