On paper schools may be similar, but each has own challenges

This month the Naperville Unit District 203 Board of Education will be interviewing candidates to be the next school superintendent. The process reminds me of a faux pas I committed during my first interview as a superintendent candidate in District 203. The question was about how I would improve instruction in the district's already high-achieving school system, particularly at the high school level.

I don't remember all the details of my answer, but I do remember noting that, based on the student achievement data I had reviewed, both of the District 203 high schools looked amazingly similar. Immediately thereafter, I was politely informed that our two high schools were actually very different, and weren't nearly as alike as they looked on paper.

Two recent events reminded me of that discussion.

Earlier this month, the board hosted an open-ended round-table discussion that involved key staff members and focused on the current state of our high schools - where we are and where we need to go.

It was a worthwhile and very free-flowing discussion, although each participant may have left with a slightly different perspective. What I found interesting were the answers to the question of what we are doing right. Staff reiterated once again the high quality of students and staff, and noted with pride the wonderfully rich academic collaboration between the two schools, even as they are competing on multiple measures of athletic and academic prowess. It was noteworthy, too, when the discussion turned to "what made our two high schools unique." The answer, quite simultaneously noted by both staffs, were how "student focused" our schools were, how much school spirit there was, and how dedicated students were "to their own school."

The second reminder of the similarities between our high schools was precipitated by the search process for new permanent principals at both schools. As part of that process, the search consultant compiled the results of survey responses from staff, students and parents on key issues at both schools.

Responses from Naperville North indicate that the school's strengths are its dedicated teachers, its strong reputation, the amount of parental support, the district's effective curriculum, and the end result of students being well-prepared for life after high school. North's challenges, as perceived by all groups, are the need to look beyond test scores at the whole child, facilities, technology and "holding teachers and administrators accountable."

As far as Naperville Central was concerned, survey participants checked off almost the same list of positives, with the addition of "strong extracurricular offerings that allowed all students to be involved." With regard to challenges, Central's list mirrored North's, although not surprisingly "facilities" topped Central's list.

Attributes Central students, parents and staff wanted in a principal included "high visibility," "clear vision," "a people person," a "team-builder who brings out the best in others" and someone "who held teachers, administrators and staff accountable." North's list included all of the same attributes, but added the need for an effective communicator and someone who could "effectively implement plans for school improvement."

Anyone who attends either school sees their school as unique. In reality, both North and Central are high-achieving and well-regarded for a reason. The keys to each of their successes are simply more alike than different. And the District 203 community can take pride in the fact that no matter which school our students call their alma mater, they are equally prepared to pursue their dreams, whatever shape that takes.

• Alan Leis is superintendent of Naperville Unit District 203.