The second of three final candidates for the role of Superintendent addressed the public this morning, as part of the continued community forums being facilitated by Director of Communications and Community Engagement Jacque Coe this week.
In addition to speaking about a number of topics raised during yesterday’s sessions – including diversity, the arts and budget cuts – Dr. Mark Mitrovich spent a large portion of the hour-long question and answer session discussing the importance of big picture education in the Bellevue School District.
“Our role has to be such that all students are able to succeed, and not just a small percentage,” Mitrovich said.
Noting the many positive things already happening in Bellevue, Mitrovich said he appreciates the spirit of belief and excellence, and would love to be a part of moving the district forward in coming years. He also touched on the research he has been involved with as superintendent in Naperville, Illinois, which delves in to the many complexities regarding learning styles among students.
On the topics of gifted and special education, Mitrovich emphasized the importance of addressing achievement gaps and catering to each students needs. In regard to special education, specifically, Mitrovich said rather than “putting kids in programs” he would focus on incorporating students in to regular classrooms as much as possible. He continued by saying that no matter the program, a student is still a student, and needs to be offered as much opportunity as possible.
“It goes back to [the idea that] I can be 99 percent successful, but that 1 percent, you have to be responsible there too,” Mitrovich said.
Mitrovich has been the Superintendent of the Naperville Community Unit School District since 2009 — a district he claimed is nearly identical to Bellevue in to both population size and high performance rates. Prior to his role in Naperville, Mitrovich served as Chief Academic Officer for EDmin.com, a web-based student assessment, technology use and implementation software company. Mitrovich also served as superintendent for the Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor and was the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Kennewick School District, in addition to serving as principal in schools throughout the Clarkston School District.
Day three of the finalist interviews will begin at 7 a.m. tomorrow at Interlake High School, with candidate Dr. Justin (Tim) Mills. Videos of each candidate at the evening Community Forum will also be posted on the website the day after the forum; e-mail feedback on each candidate will be accepted at board@bsd405.org Subject line: Supt. Finalist [insert candidates’ last name].
