Is the search over for a South Bend Schools superintendent?

By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

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At its next meeting, the South Bend School Board will discuss suspending the national search for a superintendent and giving the job permanently to current Interim Superintendent James Kapsa. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Nov 14, 2008 at 3:09 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 14, 2008 at 7:03 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Community School Corporation put a motion on Monday's agenda that would allow the district to suspend the national search for a superintendent. A majority vote would give the job permanently to Interim Superintendent James Kapsa.

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The decision though, was met with some opposition from several board members, who argue the community input and national search the board agreed upon a few months ago may not get carried out.

"I personally asked for this to be on the agenda," said school board member Bill Sniadecki.

Several months ago, Sniadecki voted in favor of a national search to replace former school leader Dr. Robert Zimmerman.

Now, he's changed his mind.

"There's so much on the plate right now," said Sniadecki. "To bring in a person from the outside right now, I think it would be a huge mistake."

In June, James Kapsa was unanimously selected as interim superintendent.

"He's such an asset," Board president Sheila Bergeron told WSBT News by phone. "He's really proven himself since he began his term as interim superintendent."

Both Bergeron and Sniadecki say they're confident Kapsa has the ability. That's why a motion to hire him permanently will appear on Monday's agenda.

"Kapsa has been here 38 years," said Sniadecki. "He knows his people and he knows what's going on in the corporation."

Melissa Holstein has two children in the district. She said, "I think someone that knows the area and the people around the area would help."

Because two new board members are set to take office in January, the board had previously agreed to wait until then.

"I would not have made this recommendation without consulting Mrs. Spivey and Mr. Parent," said Sniadecki.

But Sniadecki said pressing issues made it too difficult to wait.

"With the budget coming in," he said, "we have contracts we want to get settled first, and full-day kindergarten."

He believes with a decision out of the way, attention can be placed on what's truly important.

"Let's work on one goal," Sniadecki said. "The kids and the community."

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