After taking time to gather input on what's needed in a new superintendent, the St. Paul School District is now seeking applicants for the job.
A posting by the search firm Ray and Associates, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, emphasizes a need to "narrow the achievement gap" and advertises a starting salary of about $238,000 -- subject to negotiations.
Candidates have until March 8 to apply.
Craig Morris, of Ray and Associates, said this week that school board members then will work privately and independently to review materials and videos from as many as 13 semifinalists, with the goal of identifying three finalists whose names will be announced between March 23 and 25.
Still to be determined will be the schedule for community meetings with the finalists and the day on which the board will select the district's new leader.
Ray and Associates created a profile for the position based on results of an online survey, as well as comments collected in a series of community meetings in December and January. The top qualities identified by respondents can be found at the district's website (www.spps.org).
"I think you're going to have a successful outcome," Morris told board members.
Last summer, the board voted to oust Superintendent Valeria Silva, and hired John Thein to serve as interim leader. He has said he does not want the permanent job.
