JACKSON -- When the Jackson Board of Education hires a new superintendent, it should look for a person with high moral standards, lots of common sense and have been a proven leader.

Those were the qualities deemed most important in a recent superintendent survey conducted by the board with the help of the Missouri School Boards Association.

Two weeks ago, school board members held a sparsely attended public forum to discuss the community's wants for a new school leader.

Superintendent Dr. Howard Jones announced last month that he would resign July 1.

The school board hopes to hire a new superintendent by late January. Deadline for submitting applications is Dec. 11.

The board received the survey results at its meeting Tuesday night. Teachers, staff and district residents submitted their list of qualities they would most like to see in a new school leader.

Only 12 survey results were received from the community either by mail or at the forum. Eleven results were sent by administrators or principals, with the majority coming from certified staff like teachers.

Board members hadn't had a chance to review the survey results before Tuesday, but didn't expect many surprises.

"There are some slight variances," Jones said.

Most administrators and teachers said they wouldn't mind if the new superintendent wasn't a parent also. They were more concerned with leadership ability, administrative experience and harmony working with the board.

Of the surveys received by the community, high moral standards and a sensitivity in human relations were deemed the most valuable qualities. Parental experience ranked seventh out of 10 categories.

In other business, the board approved an architect's study that will include comprehensive plans for both the junior high and high schools.

Originally, the district had considered only studying building needs at the junior high school, but with the addition of a new high school Math and Science building, a more comprehensive long-range plans was necessary, Jones said.

"There are some issues at the high school that need study," he said. "There is a safety code and the issue of renovating a building that has marginal value in the first place."

The architect's study is actually an extension of a contract that the district had already approved, and most costs would be absorbed by future bond issues.

But by looking at the scope of building needs now, plans for future growth or construction can be addressed, Jones said.

Jackson Board of Education

Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Board of Education office, 614 E. Adams St.

Action Items

-- Approved expansion of architect study of Junior High to include Comprehensive High School Campus Plan.

Information items

-- Received presentation of multi-grade program at Millersville.

-- Received update regarding annual school report.

-- Received results of MSBA superintendent search survey.

-- Report from assistant superintendent for curriculum and personnel.

-- Report from assistant superintendent for finance and support services.

-- Report from superintendent.

-- Discussion of future agenda items.

Executive session