Slow down the superintendent search, don’t rush into hiring Seattle Schools interim supt. Susan Enfield, was the message to the school board uttered by a handful of the 30 teachers and parents Tuesday night at the Wilburton Instructional Center.

This feedback was part of a public input session, the second of four such sessions the board will hold before possibly making a move to hire Enfield.

The board had discussed an accelerated search process after discovering that Enfield was also a finalist for a position with the Highline district.

Several parents said a desire to live in Washington and lead Bellevue schools long-term were important to them.

On that note, the high-degree that Enfield has moved around in her career was brought up as a concern.

From 1999 to present, the longest Enfield has stayed in one position was as deputy superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver (August 2006 to June 2009).

Jacque Coe, spokesperson for Bellevue public schools, however, emphasized that the board has also received a lot of positive feedback about Enfield.

Coe pointed to the first public input session held at Odle Middle School, attended by a handful of teachers and parents. Some attendees praised Enfield’s qualifications and urged the board not to wait too long in the search process, as other districts want to hire her, Coe said.

At the second session Tuesday night, Stephen Miller, former Bellevue Education Association president and a current Odle teacher, said it was essential that the new superintendent have a proven track record for working well with staff.

“Don’t just choose someone who says the right thing during the interview” he said, addressing the board.

Miller pointed to Bellevue schools interim supt. Eva Collins as a good example, saying her “respectful, honest and direct” way of communicating with staff during this winter’s snow days were hugely appreciated.

Other parents literally applauded Collins, saying it was a shame that she isn’t seeking the position herself. Collins, a 20-year parent in the district, said she will be happy to resume her duties as assistant superintendent as soon as the open position is filled.

Former school board president Judy Bushnell, who stepped down from the board in 2010 after 18 years, attended the event.

Bushnell, who helped bring in former supt. Mike Riley, called the search for Amalia Cudeiro’s replacement as “the most important decision you will make as a board.”

The public will have two more opportunities to provide their input on their desired characteristics of a new superintendent.

They are: 6:30 p.m., today, Feb. 15 at Highland Middle School, 15027 NE Bel/Red Rd., Bellevue, and at 7 p.m., Feb. 16 at Sammamish High School, 100 140th Ave. SE, Bellevue.

Additionally, staff and community members are encouraged to email the board at board@bsd405.org with their input. Please putt ‘Supt. Search’ in the subject line.

The school board will likely publish its findings from these input sessions after mid-winter break, which is Feb. 20-24.

For more information, go to http://www.bsd405.org/.

Gabrielle Nomura can be reached at 425-453-4270.