Anne Marie, reporting for the superintendent search ad hoc committee, told the board on Jan. 14 that the search firm has placed advertisements and sent targeted email blasts, and that candidates have begun the application process.

According to Anne Marie’s update, Ray and Associates (referred to by the contractor name in the memo) and associated search partners have placed advertisements per the board’s guidance and issued three email blasts: one targeted to potential candidates aligned to Fargo’s stated qualities, one to the firm’s associate database and one to its full database as part of a holiday mailing. The firm reported 13 applications started and one completed application so far; submissions have come from North Dakota, Minnesota, New Jersey and Arizona. Anne Marie reminded board members the application window remains open through Feb. 2 and said the ad hoc committee will meet again at the end of the month and will circulate "homework" for members to complete ahead of interviews.

Anne Marie encouraged board members to review materials when they receive them and to respond to the ad hoc committee’s requests so the committee can proceed with candidate screening and interview preparations.