Six students gathered in room 120 during SMART period on Thursday for an open forum meeting to provide input for the superintendent search and selection process.

Dr. Steve Goldstone of the Cosca Group search firm asked the students in attendance to brainstorm major strengths and critical issues of Redwood High School, as well as characteristics that they would like to see in the new superintendent.

“I understand that they are trying to fix the problem of the achievement gap by cutting of the high and low ends, and I don’t believe this is the correct way to solve the problem,” said senior Asta MacKie.

Goldstone asked the students to list characteristics that they believed were necessary in a new superintendent.

“[We need] someone who’s there to help the students that need it, and understand that not everyone performs on the same level,” MacKie said.

Other characteristics listed included someone who can relate to the students, who has already worked in a scholastic environment, and who looks from input from teachers and parents.

“[We need] someone who is looking out for the welfare of students,” said senior Mason Jacobs.

Goldstone said that he and the other members of the search firm will present the information to the Tam District Board of Trustees.

“We want to find someone who fits this school district,” Goldstone said.

The Cosca Group will meet with about 56 different groups within the next week to receive community feedback regarding the superintendent search and selection process.

“I’ve met with about six different groups within the past couple of days, and people are addressing the same type of concerns,” Goldstone said.

Principal David Sondheim invited students to the optional meeting at the end of first period on Thursday morning.