A small gathering of community members shared what they hope to see in Argyle’s new superintendent at a meeting Thursday with Ted Gillum, who was hired to assist school board members in the search to fill the top spot.

Two board members, Vice President John Schinske and Brenda Alexander, were also there sitting among about 10 residents and district staff members.

Gillum started the meeting discussing the basic qualifications for a superintendent and mentioned that about a dozen people have expressed interest in the post by letter or with a resume, half of those from out-of-state applicants.

A superintendent with teaching experience and a fairly stable resume were among main characteristics requested by those in attendance.

Even as the district gets larger, Randy McKellar, a former school board member, told Gillum that he hopes the next superintendent will understand and appreciate the benefits of a small district mentality.

He also hopes they can find someone who is generally concerned with students’ education in the classroom and is supportive of teachers.

“Teachers need to have the freedom to fail … [and] not be afraid to take a risk” in being innovative, McKellar said, because not all students learn the same way.

His words were echoed by another person in attendance, who also said it was important that the next superintendent be careful about where money is spent in the district.

Residents there also asked that Gillum and school board members choose someone whose resume reflects instructional and campus level leadership experience, as well as showing a level of commitment.

One resident said the next superintendent needs experience in a growing district, in construction and with working with town leaders.

The key, another resident said, is finding a candidate interested in promoting the accomplishments of students and teachers.

“As an individual, any type of input from the people who are impacted the most is valuable — in fact, it’s invaluable,” said Schinske. He said he hopes the turnout at the next meeting will be larger.

The next community forum is at 7 p.m. July 29 in the Argyle High School auditorium.

AMY DODD THOMPSON can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is athompson@dentonrc.com .