Gresham-Barlow superintendent passes review

By Calvin Hall

The Gresham Outlook, Sep 4, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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The Gresham-Barlow School Board commended Superintendent John Miner for his leadership during his first year as superintendent amid the state’s dramatic cuts to school funding.

The school board, which released the evaluation at its meeting Thursday, Sept. 3, credited Miner with his handling of the district’s budget crisis, when it had to cut millions of dollars, reduce or cut some co-curricular programs and athletics and eliminate more than 100 staff positions.

“This spring the district was forced to make substantial budget cuts; however, Superintendent Miner worked to ensure critical educational programs stayed intact in spite of decreased funding,” said board Chairwoman Kris Howatt. “Miner kept the district moving forward in its work to increase student achievement and prepare students for success after high school.”

Miner was credited with creating a program that allowed staff members, parents and students to learn about the district’s budget challenges and weigh in on which services and programs were valued the most. Miner also was cited for his leadership skills with staff members, and for spearheading the expansion of a program to prepare more students for college.

The board annually evaluates the superintendent against seven standards. The board found Miner met and exceeded expectations for all seven standards, which include: leadership and district culture; policy and governance; communications, community relations and partnerships; organizational management; educational systems and practices; human resource systems and practices; and district goals.

Miner was appointed superintendent in July 2008 after serving as assistant superintendent for six years. He previously spent four years as the district’s human resources director and served as principal at Clear Creek Middle School and at Sam Barlow High School.