Heath, Dearden a study of opposites

Three remaining WCS superintendent
interviews planned today, Wednesday
The interviews were black and white, top down and bottom up.
That's my impression of the first two of five public interviews of finalists for Williamson County Schools' Director of Schools position.
Dr. David Heath, interim WCS superintendent, and Dennis Dearden, senior vice president for the Partnership of Excellence, each answered 25 questions from school board members Monday night at the Williamson County Administration Building in Franklin.
The two candidates' respective styles and responses couldn't have been more different.
Heath consistently pointed to reinforcement of the message and staying on task as a way of reaching district goals. Dearden took a far more visionary stance, saying a great district must have buy-in from all parties involved, from the bus driver to the local business community.
Dearden was asked to describe what management and leadership qualities are needed to be successful in the position. He said a good manager gets things done day-to-day, and "they're very good at that." Leaders are visionary, he said, and see beyond the first step. He said a successful leader must have people skills, be politically savvy and have common sense. But of all great leaders, he said,"none did it alone."
Heath, who has served the past six years as WCS' deputy superintendent, was asked if he thought he could easily move from his past role as a manager to a new role as leader.
The former Brentwood High School principal said he had demonstrated that in a school setting, and was prepared to "get us going where we need to go."
Listing reasons he should be considered for the job, Heath noted he would have less of a learning curve than an outside candidate and that he could help "fast track" the system to where it wants to be. "We've developed the goals and we're on our way there," he said.
Both candidates were asked what they see as the most critical issue facing WCS in the next five years.
Heath said getting every student to pass algebra II, which is part of the No Child Left Behind standards. He also mentioned science education and adapting that curriculum to ever-changing technologies and environments.
"Funding" was Dearden's one-word answer, and he added "I think it's going to get worse." He mentioned how the economy has been "devastating" to many districts the size of Williamson County. "This is when you have to uplift people."
When asked why he should be the top candidate, Dearden said with concerns about morale, trust and funding at the top of everyone's mind, a unique leader is needed. "Williamson County is attractive to me ... It has the potential to be an absolutely great school district."
One of the most striking differences between these first two candidates was noted on how they answered a question about promoting diversity and their experience working with diverse populations.
Heath said Williamson County Schools have used the month of February to study different cultures, especially those represented in individual schools.
Dearden cited his time in Fairfax, Va., where over 100 different languages and 150 nationalities were represented in the student population. "You had to be a great listener to be able to come into a community like that."
It was an evening in contrasts. No doubt the three other candidates with interviews tonight and Wednesday will add even more to the mix. If you're interested in seeing for yourself, the remaining schedule is as follows:
Today
6 p.m., Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent, Limestone County Schools, Ala.
8 p.m., Michael Looney, superintendent, Butler County School District, Ala.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
6 p.m., James Wilson, former superintendent, Fulton County School System, Ga.
The interviews, open to the public, take place in the Carolyn Campbell Room in the Administrative Complex, 1320 West Main St., in Franklin. I learned last night that you have to go to the doors to the left of the main entrance for entry.
On Thursday, the school board will meet for a called session to select finalists for the position, who will be called back for another round of interviews.