Silver Fall School District superintendent candidate Andy Bellando and his wife, Rhonda, have three children, Amanda, 21; Jaron, 19; Tyler, 17. His hobbies are farming, bicycling, running and skiing.
What were you like as a student? “Very active in FFA, sports, student leadership, concert and jazz bands. Was a student representative on the school board for one year. Four-year athlete – football, basketball, track and baseball. I enjoyed each of my high school years and had positive relationships with my teachers. A couple of my teachers were very influential in my pursuit of a career in education and I remain in contact with them today. I (honestly) kept my nose pretty clean and prioritized the need to achieve as best as I could.”
Describe your leadership style: “I rely heavily upon developed relationships with others and use of conscious communication skills. I respect collaboration with others, especially when developing goals and a vision for an organization. I maintain a welcoming personality and it is important for me to model the behavior that I expect from others. I pride myself in obtaining complete information before making a decision and doing my best to see the perspectives of others. Servant leadership best describes my approach to any education position I have held.”
Why do you want to be superintendent? “As challenging as this position is, I see it as the next natural step in my career. Even though this has not always been my ambition, I’ve evaluated my strengths and believe they are a fit for this position; they complement the many experiences I’ve had during my career. I am as passionate now about my influence on student education as I was when I began teaching in 1985. That passion will be an asset to this position.”
Why are you a good fit? “Every school district has a unique culture and I keenly understand that found in Silver Falls. I value an education that provides multiple curricular opportunities for all students in conjunction with high expectations of achievement. I firmly believe that every child can learn and that every educator has an obligation to meet the diverse needs of the children entrusted to them.”
Describe your vision or goals. “A continued focus on high achievement by all students with a special emphasis on identified sub groups. Also, an emphasis on quality differentiated instruction to meet the diverse student needs of every classroom. This includes students identified as Special Education, TAG, ELL and others.”
Why are you proud of the SFSD? “The maintenance of diverse curriculum and program and athletic offerings, especially at the high school level. The varied options for school attendance in a district that offers open enrollment. The education standard that has been established and maintained by the board, superintendent and all employees of this district making it a model for the state.”
What needs improvement? “Additional emphasis placed on academic achievement of students in identified NCLB subgroups. This will occur partially through continued use of Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s). Current teachers and new teacher hires must embrace this philosophy and be trained by the district to its full application.”
What does “Every Child is a Promise” mean to you? “Every child has the ability to learn and the right to learn in a system designed to meet their diverse needs.”
What are the challenges ahead? “The next challenging task is the most notable one for all schools in Oregon – continuous student improvement during a recessed economy within a system of unpredictable funding. On a local level, the new superintendent must work with the board to continue assessing the aging facilities of the district and respond in the best interest of students.”
Anything else? “Silverton has and will continue to be my home. I am active in many ways within the community and my wife and I are fortunate to have made Silverton our home 21 years ago. I have a vested interest in the schools and they have been good to our family. Each of our children has attended 13 years in Silver Falls School District and their education was premium. I am excited at the prospect of leading this district into the future.”
