OSKALOOSA — North Mahaska Schools Superintendent Randy Moffit was the final candidate for the recently opened superintendent position with Oskaloosa Community Schools. This came after it was announced Dr. Carolyn McGaughey would retire at the end of this school year.

During his interview before the Oskaloosa School Board Monday, Moffit said it’s important to create a productive environment.

“I like to think I provide an environment where people can succeed,” said Moffit.

In order to create this environment, Moffit said it’s important to focus on the individual strengths of principals and teachers.

Moffit, of New Sharon, received his bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from Iowa State, his masters degree in educational administration from the University of Iowa, and his specialist degree in education superintendency from Northwest Missouri State University.

Moffit said the most important thing a school can do is keep their students’ best interests in mind at all times.

In putting students first, Moffit said they need to feel safe at school at all times.

“For some kids, that may be the only save environment they have,” Moffit said.

Moffit said standardized testing is an important thing to watch, but added that it’s not the only thing to look at when considering student achievement.

“I think a better indicator of whether you’re being successful as a school district is to look at your graduates and what they’re doing,” said Moffit. “That’s a really strong indicator.”

Moffit said he is open to implementing new teaching methods and is even willing to give new ideas enough time to be implemented properly. However, if something isn’t working, Moffit said he’s willing to move on.

“That’s where principals come in,” he said.

In communicating with his administration and principals, Moffit said he prefers face-to-face interaction when it comes to things that need to be discussed, rather than e-mails. Moffit said e-mails are better for general information spreading.

He went on to say paying attention to state-level education organizations is important to stay informed about what is going on in education. Moffit said networking with other superintendents is also important.

Moffit pointed to a few of his achievements with North Mahaska Schools including incorporating pre-kindergarten onto the school’s campus, building a new school auditorium and a new playground for the school. He also cited the fact that North Mahaska has wireless Internet access on the school grounds and fiber optic cable installed at the school for better bandwidth.

“One of the challenges we’ve had is keeping up with the technology,” said Moffit.

Now that the school board has interviewed all of the superintendent candidates, the next step is to decide which candidates will earn home district visits.

——————

Herald City Editor Andy Goodell can be reached at news2@oskyherald.com