Kline applies to be superintendent

Orcas High School Middle School Principal Barbara Kline has thrown her hat into the ring, and will seek the job of superintendent of the local school district.

Kline, who has been principal here for the past 16 years, said she was encouraged by Interim Superintendent Jeff Van Handel to seek the job. She decided to apply after receiving feedback from staff members to an email she submitted to them laying out her plan.

Kline sees her candidacy as an opportunity to save money and thus protect the jobs of some faculty and classified staff who otherwise will be laid off unless enrollment increases or new forms of revenue are found.

Both Van Handel and Educational Service District Superintendent Jerry Jenkins believe that the Orcas Island School District is top-heavy with administrators, and that one superintendent - principal and one principal could handle the administrative load. Kline generally agrees with that assessment. "I came from a school district with a thousand students, and with the same amount of administration as Orcas, with 500 students," she noted.

Kline is one of about 20 people who have applied for the job. It is not known how the other candidtaes feel about such a configuration. But Board President Bruce Orchid said that each will be asked to assume duties beyond that of superintendent.

Under her plan, Kline would remain as high school principal, but turn over the role of middle school administrator to her counterpart in the elementary school, Coleen O'Brien. Kline would also recommend that the district higher a "head teacher," in either a full- or a part-time role, to help with the work loads.

The position of permanent superintendent will become available after Van Handel's term is up in mid-May. It remains to be seen, however, when Van Handel's successor will be able to assume the role of chief administrative officer for the district.

The district is projected to save about $90,000 in salary and benefits if one of the top administrative positions is eliminated. That amount would enable the district to maintain all present staff, Orchid said.

Orcas is under a great deal of pressure from the state to build up its reserve fund, even if it means cutting staff.

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