By By JOANNA ARNETT / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Just like the TV series "American Idol," the superintendent candidate list has been narrowed to two: Kim Kramer, assistant superintendent for Plainwell Community Schools, and David Gray, superintendent of Eaton Rapids Public Schools in Lansing, according to school board president James Curran.
Last night marked the last of the interviews of candidates for the position of superintendent of Brandywine Public Schools.
Scott Moellenberndt, principal of Edwardsburg Intermediate School, and David Gray were interviewed by the Board of Education and answered audience questions in the high school library as to their work history, personal ethics, and aspects of their personality that would make them a good fit for the future of Brandywine.
Moellenberndt was interviewed first, answering questions as to his community involvement and how he would work to promote Brandywine Public Schools outside of this area.
Moellenberndt added that curriculum "is the lifeblood of the school" and that schools need to stay abreast of technological advances.
He added that he felt his personal attributes to be his hands-on approach, visibility in the district, and collaborative nature and high drive. He also said that he envisioned establishing round-table discussions with the students, starting about third grade.
David Gray listed his greatest personal attribute as being his ability to really listen to what people are telling him.
Gray added that he felt a job of the superintendent is to be a somewhat of a public relations marketer.
He said he considered himself "fair, open, principled." He had worked as a teacher but enjoyed his superintendent position, as it gave him the ability to affect people in a much broader way.
Gray spoke of the need to have goals, and to have goals you need to have a plan.
Gray added that an issue that he felt needs to be addressed is the educational budget issue in Michigan.
They'll visit the district about noon and be open to public inquiry. At 5:30 p.m., the second round of interviews will be conducted.