By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

NORWOOD - Steve Collier, superintendent of Norwood Schools, is a former University of Cincinnati basketball standout (Most Valuable Player in 1974-75) and co-Mr. Basketball for the state of Indiana (1974).

Collier, 48, previously served as Sharpsburg principal and assistant superintendent. In the past 11 months, the district's administrative team has undergone several changes, including a rejection by voters of a $54.9 million bond issue that would have renovated or replaced every building in the district. Collier, 48, of Fairfield, recently talked about the changes and what comes next for the district of. 2,650 students.

QUESTION: Do you think your basketball experience has helped you in education? If so, how?

ANSWER: Yes. To be successful as a basketball team, everybody has to work together and be on the same focus. I think that's the same thing for the school district. You have to have everybody working together, all using their best talents to accomplish your goals.

Q: You put together a new administrative team. What were you looking for and what is the overall goal you have for the team and for the district?

A: I wanted administrators who were dedicated to education, who were strong in curriculum and instruction.

When I took over as superintendent, the board of education expressed to me that our No. 1 goal is to raise our test scores. I think we'll see modest gains this year. I want (administrators) to put a system in place that will sustain good test scores.

Q: A $54.9 million bond issue went down last year. How will you address facility needs in older buildings? Will there be another ballot issue this year?

A: The board is still discussing what to do with (the plan). If we ever go on the ballot again, it will probably be just locally funded and we'll probably address one or two buildings at a time. I don't see that happening in 2004.

The buildings are very old. They date back to 1896. They were built very well, but the infrastructure is just not there.

We have set aside monies for the next five years to put into our buildings. We have taken a loan out for $5 million. The payback process will come out of the general fund. There (will be) no additional taxes to the community.

Q: Do you think any of the buildings should be closed, either because of enrollment or operating costs?

A: Not at this time. If our enrollment continues to decline, there will be a time when we will not need four elementary buildings. At that time, the community will decide if they want to pay to have four buildings open or if it's more economical to close one elementary school. In the next five to 10 years we're going to have to make that decision.

Q: Isn't this a transitional year for you after losing the 21st -century grants that paid for after-school programs at the elementary schools?

A: Our focus is on the high school - our graduation rate is a huge issue. We're looking at credit recover - how kids who are behind can get caught up and graduate on time. Kids get behind and then they just give up and drop out. If we have programs to support them, to keep them on track, they won't drop out.

We're a long way from reaching our goal. We were at 68 percent (graduation) last year (72 percent the year before) and we need 90 percent.

E-mail suek@infionline.net