Dr. Randy Trani sat down with Public Information Officer Jillian Morrissey to introduce himself and talk about his experience, why he is so interested in the Mat-Su Borough School District and what he hopes to bring to this great District. After watching the below Q and A with Dr. Trani, please share your impressions with the School Board by completing the survey also linked below. The Survey will be available until 12:00 pm tomorrow, May 12, 2020.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2020
The Mat-Su Borough School District School Board has named its candidate for the Superintendent position, Dr. Randy Trani, of Corbett, Oregon. The selection of Dr. Trani is the result of a national search conducted with Ray and Associates, Inc. that produced nearly 23 qualified applicants from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds. The MSBSD School Board has been committed to ensuring that it selects a finalist that is a good fit for the District and the Mat-Su Valley and looks forward to introducing Dr. Trani to the community on Monday, May 11th, as described below. Today’s announcement follows notice to the Board yesterday evening that several candidates had removed themselves from consideration due to COVID-19. The process required modification due to the current pandemic, resulting in a primary candidate and revised process.
“The Mat-Su School Board is extraordinarily pleased with the outcome of this search. While we changed the originally planned process due to COVID-19 we have evaluated the available alternatives and believe this course is the best. Dr. Trani is an outstanding candidate for consideration”, says School Board President Thomas Bergey. “Among his many positive attributes Dr. Trani’s record reflects a strong focus on academic achievement.”
Dr. Randy Trani, (1967-present), was born in Denver, Colorado, but grew up in Cordova, Alaska. Randy’s personal experiences with poverty, childhood homelessness, and the power of education to change a life motivated him to enter the field of K-12 education. After teaching all grades K-12 for eight years in small school districts in Alaska in the 1990’s he taught science courses in large suburban and urban schools in Oregon. In 2004 he became the principal of Corbett Schools in Corbett Oregon where he has also served as Superintendent since 2009. While at Corbett he has led Corbett Middle School to be named the only School To Watch in Oregon, and Corbett High School has been recognized as one of the top public high schools in the Country by Newsweek, The Washington Post, and US NEWS and World Reports. Dr. Trani has been named both the Oregon Middle Level Association's Principal of the Year, as well as the Oregon High School Principal of the year. In addition to his day job he enjoys traveling the country actively promoting the Corbett Model. Dr. Trani is eager to return to Alaska as the superintendent of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District and give back to the state that gave him a free education through his bachelor's degree.
On Monday, May 11th, the District will release a recorded Q & A video session with Dr. Trani, with the questions developed though the community input survey. Community members will have an opportunity to provide their impressions to the School Board though another online survey. The School Board will have a Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 12th to vote on the new Superintendent. Public Testimony is encouraged at this meeting.
See the report provided to the Board on April 15, 2020 which outlines the revised selection timeline and public forum process.
To the right you will find the recruitment summary provided by Ray and Associates regarding efforts to support MSBSD's Superintendent vacancy.
The Mat-Su Borough School Board is seeking a Superintendent who:
Inspires trust, has high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance.
Is able to delegate authority appropriately while maintaining accountability.
Is strongly committed to a "student first" philosophy in all decisions.
Is capable of developing both short and long-range district goals.
Possesses the ability to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing the gaps in student achievement.
Has experience recruiting and maintaining exceptional staff for the district and schools.
Has experience with effective management and planning practices that will benefit the long-term financial health of the district.
Possesses excellent people skills and can present a positive image of the district.
Is a non-traditional or "hybrid candidate" with a business/private sector background in addition to an educational career.
Promotes positive student behavior conducive to a healthy and safe learning environment.
Please view, download, or share the position vacancy announcement for the Mat-Su Borough School District Superintendent of School position available on the right.
Interested candidates should contact Ray & Associates, Inc. 901 17th Street NE; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402; Phone: 319-393-3115. Fax: 319-393-6911. Email: glr@rayassoc.com.
Application Deadline is March 29, 2020. For a more complete timeline for the Superintendent Search please see the document to the right.
Over 19,000 students are educated and supported through the dedication of 2,400 employees at 47 schools and three administrative locations across the Mat-Su Borough. With a $239 M operating fund budget, MSBSD is committed to preparing all students for success. The District is located an hour north of Anchorage and boasts countless magnificent outdoor activities while still offering the modern conveniences of city life. Through a vast offering of programs, sports, and activities, students graduate with the skills, confidence, and abilities necessary to flourish in the 21st century. See the below links for more information about the Mat-Su Borough School District.