The Lebanon Community School District has chosen a new superintendent.

In a press release issued Friday afternoon School Board Chair Josh Wineteer said the board offered the position to Rob Hess, Ph.D., and he accepted.

Hess said he is excited about the opportunity to serve as superintendent in Lebanon.

"I'm excited about the people of Lebanon," he said. "I love the community."

Hess has lived in Lebanon for 18 years.

"It's a dream come true to be the superintendent of Lebanon schools," he said. "It is what I've been working for, for many, many years."

He acknowledged the difficulties which lie ahead for the district in light of diminishing money, but has a plan.

"When you can't create a special program, you can equip regular teachers," he said.

Hess said he wants to be an instructional leader as opposed to a business one.

He said he believes in a needs-based model.

"A lot of times we think that if we design systems based on treating everyone the same, that it's fair," he said. "But if we really want to talk about outcomes for students, we need to base the system on student needs."

Hess said some students may get more than others, based on their needs.

"Look at the student need, and provide a treatment for that need," he said.

Hess outlined three things he will do as part of his plan for Lebanon schools: 100 conversations, visit every learning space, and conduct a welcome back presentation.

"I want to have 100 conversations with people who care about schools," Hess said. "I want them to tell me what they're thinking."

He said starting in July, people will be able to schedule an appointment to have a conversation with him.

Hess said he will track that data, compile it and report it to the school board.

At a welcome back presentation - early in the school year - Hess would introduce himself as a leader and talk about what's important to him: students.

"Students are important to me," Hess said. "Schools becoming places where powerful teaching and meaningful learning (occur)."

He said everyone working together and collaboration is important.

"I focus on the work, not on the people," he said. "What's the work that needs to be done, and how can we do it."

Hess currently is assistant superintendent for achievement and process for Springfield schools.

He previously spent several years in the Lebanon district as a teacher, assistant principal at Lebanon High School and principal of Lebanon Middle School and Pioneer School. He also was a teacher at East Linn Christian Academy.

Hess is a resident of Lebanon.

The board made its decision after a second round of interviews on April 9, deliberating late into the night.

Wineteer said Hess has signed a contract to start work as head of the district on July 1, 2009, pending the board's formal approval of the contract on April 20.

Wineteer said the board appreciates the efforts of everyone who participated in the selection process.

Hess talks with public at meet and greet

April 9 was a busy day for Rob Hess.

He toured schools and met with public and teachers before having a second interview with the school board in executive session.

The public got a chance to meet Hess Thursday evening at the scheduled meet and greet.

About 20 people, including school board members, showed up to talk with him and ask him some pointed questions.

"April 20, at 7:05 p.m. he should have a plan" for Lebanon Community School District, said Ralph Gaston, a candidate for school board in Zone 5.

Jay Jackson said he was impressed at Hess's ability to remember names.

Hess recalled the names of people he had known from previous years working in the district.

Greg Pierce asked about Hess's relationship with former superintendent Jim Robinson.

"You've been close to our old superintendent," Pierce said. "You co-authored a book."

Pierce asked how the board could present the public with a candidate for superintendent who was so closely linked with the former superintendent, who the board claimed was the source of all the problems.

"I saw the opportunity and I applied," Hess said. "I learned a lot from Jim Robinson. For some reason they weren't able to get along," he said about the board and Robinson.

"How would your approach be different?" Pierce asked.

Hess said he's also learned a lot from working with Nancy Golden, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools.

"She's a massive communicator and trust builder," he said. "She says to be visible, always available, constantly communicating. Maybe Jim wasn't working on it."

George Woodruff also spent the day with the community followed by a second interview with the board. He was accompanied by his wife, Molly.