The Sumter County Board of Education held a public forum in the Sumter County Middle School cafeteria to allow public comments on qualities and qualifications of the next superintendent. An overwhelming sentiment among the speakers at the forum was that the new superintendent have an understanding of the community in which they serve. “We need someone with a proven track record of dealing with our type of children and families,” Mary Pat Beckham explained.

“This is a unique place to live and work,” said Beckham. “We need someone who will understand our setting.”

Valerie Grimes, in addressing the Board, expressed her feeling that the candidate be “homegrown. A person with the most at stake will do the best job,” said Grimes.

Eloise Paschal, an educator in Sumter County for 38 years and City Council member, also appeared before the Board Tuesday to share her thoughts.

“I want you to consider a person who will be visible in our community, work closely with the City Council and Board of Commissioners, and be a strong advocate of our public schools,” Paschal said.

“Teacher turnover hurts the school system,” said Kenneth Hamilton, another forum attendee. “I want a superintendent who can make this go away.”

“This is the first step, as far as our search goes,” said Board chair, Donna Minich, “and we have anticipated some of your concerns.” Minich and the Board expressed their gratitude for those in attendance and reminded of the online survey on the school system website, www.sumterschools.org.

Minich reported that over 200 people have already responded to the superintendent search online survey.