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Red Oak Board opts for permanent Superintendent

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May 6th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Red Oak Community School District should have a new superintendent in place this summer.The Daily NonPareil reports at a special meeting held Monday, the school board opted to seek a permanent replacement for Terry Schmidt, who is stepping down June 30th. Lee Fellers, the school board president, said about 14 to 15 candidates have applied so far, with a few others indicating an intent to apply. The quality of candidates was good enough the board decided to continue with its search, which got started late in the season for hiring new administrators.

A “Head-hunting” firm is assisting Red Oak with the search after recently organizing Shenandoah’s search for its new superintendent, Kerri Nelson. Its application deadline was Friday, and the firm is now conducting background checks and initial screenings. The top applicants, from a pool of around four to seven names, will be reviewed by the school board in detail May 18th.

The process will be conducted in closed session, with four to six semifinalists selected for interviews May 20 with board members. Two finalists will be identified at that point. The school board and focus groups of district stakeholders will hold additional interviews, with a goal of making a selection May 27th.

The district wants to have a new superintendent in place on July 1st, the start of the new fiscal year, or as soon as possible thereafter. Schmidt announced his resignation April 9. In his resignation letter, he did not give an explanation about why he is resigning. He has also declined to comment about his decision.