The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education continued planning for its superintendent search, approving an interview timetable and discussing additional candidate‑screening steps at its regular meeting on Nov. 11.

Sherry, the consultant leading the search, told the board the district’s job posting remains open through Jan. 6 and the panel plans to hold candidate interviews on Jan. 20. “We have 4 applications right now,” she said, noting the search team has staggered outreach (including a Teach in Nebraska ad and college contacts) to broaden the applicant pool.

Consultant Sherry told the board the district can add education verification and E‑Verify checks for finalists through its background vendor for a small additional cost (roughly $15–$20 per check) and recommended using those tools for top candidates. The board agreed members could authorize extra screening for finalists if desired.

The board also reviewed community feedback gathered via an online survey. Sherry said 170 completed responses were received across parents, certified staff, classified staff, administration and community members, and described the overall sentiment as positive. “What stood out most,” education advisor Dr. Neil said, “was student‑focused instruction and leadership — that was described repeatedly by all groups.”

Logistics and stakeholder participation were a major focus. The board approved a draft interview schedule that allocates roughly 90 minutes of board time per candidate and an hour for stakeholder groups; Callan reported 44 staff volunteered to serve on interview teams. The negotiations committee will pare the volunteer list and select staff participants to join panels during the interview day.

Next steps include finalizing prioritized interview questions and compiling finalists after the Jan. 6 closing date. The consultant said she will circulate a prioritized question list and the search team will provide a December update on application totals and next steps.