Butler, who has been Clio's superintendent for the past 10 years said that his
strengths lay in problem solving and a good working relationship with the
school board.
He reflected on his experience with finding ways to fund critical maintenance
projects in Clio schools and noted that the key to solving tough problems is to
get all the affected parties involved in identifying needs.
Butler emphasized the importance of clear policies and chain of command.
"I'm big on policy," he said. "I used to believe that an enlightened
superintendent didn't need policies, that you'd always make the right decision.
I don't believe that anymore."
Butler said he had written policies on everything from appropriate dress to
curriculum development to board-supervisor relationships.
Swisher -- who recently served four years as superintendent of South Lane Count
School District in Cottage Grove -- described himself as skilled at building
community consensus and as "the kind of guy who jumps into things up to my
neck."
Swisher said he has experience in districts of similar size and composition to
Sisters.
He has served on two study committees that explored year-round education and he
said he believes YRE could help students retain learning.
"That's what I would really call the right reason to do it," Swisher said. "If
you don't have the finances or the space, that's a right reason, too, but a
better reason is to better educate the students."
Both candidates have had experience with tough decisions surrounding cutting
programs and trying to raise funds for buildings and maintenance.
School board members indicated that they received extensive and insightful
comments from those who attended the forum and that both candidates are very
strong. They indicated that a choice between them would be very tough.
The board expects to offer a contract to one of the candidates by March 1.
