Students ask: "why should we hire you?" (District plus: tips and ideas for successful district leadership).

In the Clayton (Mo.) School District, student opinions count. "The kids are the clients," says David Skillman, Clayton High School's principal, who experienced their involvement first hand when he was hired last year. Besides an interview with the superintendent and separate interviews with other administrators, teachers and parents, Skillman had to pass the student test, too.

Superintendent Don Senti says the district has been involving middle and high school students in the hiring process throughout his six-year tenure. For the principal's, position, four students were selected to do the interview. And they knew what they were seeking: someone who's sort of like a father, who's around and visible, and who would know them by name. The student evaluations carry as much weight as the other groups, says Senti.

Students are now preparing to interview teaching position finalists, as well, Skillman says. Members of his Principal's Advisory Group report wanting someone who's challenging, intelligent and enthusiastic, someone who's passionate about teaching and can command respect in the classroom. Students also feel it is important for the person to be interested in working with other teachers.

The district's personnel director helps the students develop interview questions and "What would you do if ..." scenarios. Skillman says he plans to allow up to six students to participate in a single interview, and he will take their recommendations seriously. "They're the ones who have to deal with [us] every day."