By Tyra Jackson

The Selma Times-Journal 

Approximately 25 community members provided input into the Selma Board of Education’s ongoing search for the system’s next superintendent.

A sheet of questions regarding the skills, experience and challenges the new superintendent will have to face was issued to attendees.

Audience members were able to speak about their thoughts and answers to the questions.

Several audience members stated the new superintendent should have great communication, interpersonal and networking skills. Some also stated he or she should possess a clear vision and great enthusiasm about his or her profession.

The Alabama Association of Schools Boards is helping the board with their search.

Susan Salter, the association’s director of leadership development, said the Selma board is committed to gathering input from community members during their search.

The association will prepare a report for board members of what was said at Thursday’s meeting and an earlier one in January.

“They’ll use that information as they get ready to pick interview questions that they’ll ask the finalists,” Salter said. Salter said she thought it was a great meeting.

“The comments were helpful. They were thoughtful and pretty insightful about the situation the new superintendent will face, along with the skills he or she will need,” she said.

The public will have an inside look at the top finalists’ qualifications. Citizens will have access to a packet of information regarding the top five candidates’ application information.

The information packet will include finalists’ cover letter, resume and transcripts from universities and colleges. Salter said she doesn’t know if the copies will be electronic or printed, nor does she know if the packet will be free of charge.

Salter believes everyone should attend the live and open interviews for the candidates that will be held on March 2-6.

“I would encourage everyone to come to the interviews and talk to board members about who would be a great candidate,” she said.

The final date to apply for the position is Feb. 14. The new Selma City Schools superintendent is expected to begin work in early April.