The application process to fill the position of superintendent of Harrison County schools will close at 4 p.m. today, school officials said Thursday.
"As of Tuesday, I know we had six applications for the position. I'm not sure if any more have come in since that time," said D.D. Meighen, a member of the Harrison County school board.
The superintendent's position came open last month when Superintendent Robert E. Kittle announced his plans to retire on June 30.
Kittle has served as the head of Harrison's school system for more than 15 years and has been in education for 43 years.
"This is a big decision that I've pondered over for the last few months, but I think it's time to consider retiring and to look at some new direction in my life," Kittle said during his announcement to the board on March 29.
The Harrison County school system includes 12,000 students, a staff of more than 1,500 and a budget reaching $90 million per year.
Candidates for the position are required to have a master's degree or doctorate in school administration and three or more years of central office experience. Salary for a one- to four-year contract will be negotiable, based on experience.
Meighen said the board plans to review the applications sometime after the Easter break.
The board will narrow down the choices and then appoint a committee to give input on the final selection, he said.
The committee will be made up of school personnel, the heads of teacher groups, a student, a parent and other community representatives.
Meighen said he expects the selection process to take 4-6 weeks.
"We want the community to have input because the superintendent's position does impact the schools, business and the public sector, but the final decision will be with the duly elected board members," he said.
