The final candidate being considered for superintendent of the Bellevue School District addressed the community this morning, in the first of two community forums being held at Interlake High School today. The forum is one aspect of the daylong finalist interview being conducted by the Bellevue School District’s Board of Directors.

On Thursday morning, Dr. Justin (Tim) Mills spoke to the importance of diversity training, flexibility in educational programming and protecting the arts.

“There has to be an understanding and tolerance, and beyond tolerance, acceptance of backgrounds. We need to promote and support that – and it’s something that should not be a standalone in districts, but something that should be integrated in to our work each and every day, and in to the actual culture of our schools.”

Taking note of the strong core curriculum already in place in Bellevue public schools, Mills said he appreciates the attention given to streamlining programs across the district.

“Children should receive high quality curriculum no matter what neighborhood they live,” Mills said.

However, Mill explained, it’s important to be aware of the different skills and abilities of students. In this vein, Mill stressed the need to identify all needs and to have the ability to cater programming to students learning at different speeds.

A musician and former band teacher, Mill also expressed his dedication to protecting Bellevue’s strong art programs in the face of budget cuts.

“I believe the arts provide a tremendous opportunity for students to express themselves.”

Expanding on this, Mills said it’s important to remember that innovation and creativity are fostered by arts, and as such, are a vital aspect of success in schools.

Mills has been the Superintendent of the North Clackamas School District in Oregon since 2009 — a district serving more than 17,000 students. Prior to his role in Oregon, Mills was superintendent in the Mesa Valley County and Brush Public School Districts — both in Colorado. He served as a middle school principal and assistant principal in Mesa Valley County and began his career as a teacher in Colorado and Arizona.

Videos of each candidate at the community forums are posted on the district’s website (www.bsd405.org). Email feedback on each candidate can be sent to the board at board@bsd405.org. The board asks that the candidate’s name be placed in the subject line of the email.