The board and interim superintendent updated the public Jan. 14 on the superintendent search process and timeline.

Interim leadership said the board has engaged BYD with HYA, a national search and education consulting firm, to lead the superintendent search. The process was described as four phases: engagement, selection, recruitment and transition. Staff said the engagement phase is underway and will include board and community interviews, surveys and focus groups to build a leadership profile and selection criteria.

Staff said the district would post survey links on the Montgomery County Public Schools website and publish dates for in-person and virtual focus groups after they are finalized. The presenters estimated the full search process would take approximately three months.

Why it matters: The board's selection will determine the district's next chief executive and shape district strategy and operations for years.

What's next: Community members are invited to participate in surveys and focus groups; staff will collect input and provide the engagement report that will inform candidate recruitment and selection.