Kanawha County Schools board outlines timeline to hire superintendent to start July 1, 2025

The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education will advertise for a new superintendent to begin July 1, 2025, and plans to post the vacancy statewide from Jan. 10 through Jan. 24, 2025, a staff speaker said at the meeting.

Board leaders said the plan is to review applications after the posting, select candidates for interview and likely make a selection in mid- to late February so the successful candidate can work with Dr. Williams on next year’s budget and staffing. “This will allow a successful candidate time to work with doctor Williams on next year's budget and staffing among, other things that are very important as we lead into the next, school year,” the staff speaker said.

The board discussed timing for deliberations after interviews. A board member said, “we don't have to make a decision that day,” and another recommended waiting “2 or 3 days” after interviews to allow members to reflect and check references. The group emphasized the new superintendent should spend transition time with Dr. Williams because of ongoing district work, including school closures and the start of a new school-building project.

No formal vote or motion to authorize the search was recorded in the transcript excerpt. The board gave staff direction on the posting dates and a target hiring timetable; personnel steps such as reference checks and interviews were described as part of the process rather than formal board action.

Board members said they expect to begin candidate interviews in February and hoped to finalize a hire later that month so the new superintendent can participate in planning for the 2025–26 school year.

The board’s next regular session was announced for Thursday, Jan. 16, at 5 p.m.