Board approves three candidates for interim superintendent interviews

The GFW Public Schools Board of Education on July 15 approved a slate of three candidates to interview for the district—s interim superintendent job and set a tight timeline for interviews and contract approval.

The board approved the slate after a presentation by the district—s search consultant, who summarized community input gathered through an online survey and informal conversations. The consultant said 129 people responded to the survey, with parents constituting the largest group, and described three overriding criteria used to screen applicants: prior superintendent experience, a strong fiscal background and prior work on school building projects.

Board members were given an attributes checklist they will use during the interviews. The schedule calls for staff committee interviews and board interviews on Thursday, followed by a special board meeting the next Monday to approve a contract. The consultant said the district anticipates an August 1 start date if a contract is finalized promptly.

After the board approved the slate, the consultant disclosed the recommended candidates— names: Pat Divine, Frank Norton and Kelly Smith. The board reviewed logistics for each candidate—s day in the district, including a 90-minute tour, an hour-long staff interview and an hour-long board interview; staff interview committees will provide recommendation sheets to the board to inform deliberations.

Board members stressed the need to ask consistent questions of all candidates and to confirm each candidate remains interested before interviews. The board voted in favor of the recommended slate by voice vote.

The board will receive staff committee feedback after the interviews and is scheduled to take final action on a superintendent contract at a subsequent special meeting.