The Daily News

The Wahpeton School Board concluded its week-long series of interviews Friday with Frank Schill, who has been superintendent of Cavalier Public School District since 2004.

Schill said he was interested in the position because it is an opportunity.

"I've always had a desire to move back into the class A ranks," he said. “Mr. Connell has done a wonderful job."

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The board focused on Schill’s experience with budgets and financing, which he said he was in charge of as principal at Williston High School. He further detailed his successes in finding efficient ways to quickly build reserves.

“I would work in conjunction with the business manager to look at past expenditures, to make sure things are rolling smoothly,” he said. "I'm here to follow past policy and principles."

Schill said if he were offered the position, one of the first things he would do would be to hold spending, and find a balance in the face of anticipated challenges like declining enrollment and the necessity of extracurricular activities. Overall, though, Schill affirmed that he does not intend to make any major changes.

“I have no intention of upsetting the apple cart,” he said. “(The first year) I will be looking at everything and asking, ‘How can I make it better? What can I do differently?’”

Schill presented himself throughout the interview as a communicative but accessible leader.

“I take the initiative to deal with things in person,” he said. “It’s easy to lock yourself in the office.”

Schill assured the board he would not micro-manage, but familiarize himself with the district. He feels his communication skills are well-developed, so he would keep open communication with the board and public.

He then emphasized the importance of staying visible and building a relationship with the school and community, assuring everyone that his door is always open.

“I believe in situational leadership. I take input from all different parties, but the decision is mine," he said. "I make that decision, then reevaluate it. I don’t make snap decisions. I will listen to a person and at least sleep on it (first).”

He then expounded on his process of coming to a decision, iterating the importance of working closely with his staff.

“Primarily, my process involves individuals weighing the pros and cons, monitoring (a problem) and making adjustments," he said. "I don’t have all the answers, so I utilize quality resources: the people around me.”

Schill said when delegating authority, he looks at competence and the willingness of the administrator to perform a necessary task. As superintendent, he would monitor the progress his staff was making on their set professional growth plan, and finding any inadequacies would take the time to personally coach them to success.

The board questioned his regard for extracurricular activities, and how he would weigh and balance their funding.

“We need them all, and they all need to be supported equally,” Schill explained. “I don’t prioritize one activity over the other. I would analyze our budget with the business manager and adjust our funds equally. (These activities) are crucial in preparing students for their secondary education, (and for) developing quality citizens and well-rounded individuals."

Schill told the board two major issues he saw facing the district are declining enrollment and offering quality curriculum.

"I am very concerned about setting purposeful standards. We are competing in a global society," he said. "Students are performing in the upper-percentile (in other countries). We have to be diligent in setting standards that prepare students for their secondary education, so they an compete in a global market.”

Schill concluded by summing up what his role would be thusly: "I'm the cheerleader for Wahpeton... twenty-four seven."

The board will meet Monday night at 5 p.m. to make their decision.

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