 Joyce Henstrand |
Board appoints interim leader for one year beginning July 1The Reynolds School Board voted unanimously Thursday, May 13, to appoint Joyce Henstrand – currently the interim superintendent – the district’s permanent superintendent until June 30, 2011. |
Source: The Gresham Outlook (May 14, 2010)
The board has been searching for a permanent superintendent for the past five months, and Henstrand had not applied for the position. However, Theresa Delaney Davis, the board chairwoman, said the board did not believe any of the candidates it had interviewed “was a perfect match,” and added the board was impressed with Henstrand’s work as interim superintendent.
“Since January 2010, we’ve seen remarkable progress toward our goals,” Davis said. “The district is operating within an improved organizational structure, there was increased transparency in the budget process, staff morale is improving and additional resources and supports for the students are being actively sought.
“We are pleased that Dr. Henstrand will continue the exceptional job she has been doing,” Davis said, noting, for example, that the district expects “significant” improved state test results this year.
Henstrand said she was humbled when the board asked her to stay on.
“It’s a big responsibility, and I’m feeling a bit of the weight of it right now, but I’m excited,” she said.
Long road back
Henstrand’s appointment is the latest milestone in a long road of recovery the district has traveled since Terry Kneisler resigned from the superintendent position in late summer 2008 after questions arose over his fiscal stewardship.
His successor, Robert Fisher, earned kudos for righting the district’s fiscal ship, but resigned in December over policy disputes with the board. Henstrand was named interim superintendent.
The district’s financial picture continues to improve. After making massive budget cuts last year, the district appears to be fiscally healthy, and plans no cuts for 2010-11, Henstrand said.
Davis added that the district will set aside 5 percent of its 2010-11 budget for reserves, and will still have $2.8 million left over to meet the district’s contractual obligations and possibly restore classroom programs.
Veteran administrator
Henstrand has been with the district nearly seven years.
“I’ve been through the good times and the bad times, and I have a lot of personal commitment to the students and staff here,” she said. “I’ve moved through the bad times, so I feel it’s really a privilege to move Reynolds back to a positive reputation and environment and a place where parents can feel confident their children are receiving an excellent education.”
Among the challenges she faces is negotiating new contracts with administrators, teachers and classified staff. She added that she hopes the district can restore some programs cut over the past few years, but noted that not everyone will get what they want restored.
“There’s far more add backs than there’s money available.”
