Clinton schools continue search for next supt.

A field of 44 candidates applied for the superintendent position at Clinton Community Schools by the May 23 deadline.

The Clinton School Board  began reviewing applications on June 1 to narrow the field to less than 20. The board aims to have its next superintendent assume the position on July 1.

First round interviews will be held on June 10 from 4 to 9 p.m. If more time is needed, another group of first-round interviews will be on June 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. Second-round interviews will be on June 15 starting at 5 p.m., with the next superintendent being chosen on June 20. All sessions are scheduled to be conducted at the Clinton High School media center.

During the first round of interviews on June 10, stakeholders will be encouraged to return feedback forms to the board, as well as suggest possible second interview questions following each interview.

Retiring superintendent David Pray will spend the 2016-17 school year assisting his successor. Pray spent 19 years as the district superintendent before retiring in the 2012-2013 school year. He volunteered to become interim superintendent after his replacement, Sean McNatt, left in March 2015.

In January, an online poll was sent out to staff members, parents and residents of the district to determine qualities that were important when choosing the next superintendent. Fifteen qualities were listed and participants were asked to pick their top choices. Out of the 81 responses recorded, results indicated that each of the 15 qualities had near or equal results of importance to the residents.

Residents of the district, all staff and administration are encouraged to participate in the process. The board is being assisted in its search by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) with Scott Morrell facilitating the search on behalf of MASB. The MASB is a service organization that supports the work of school boards throughout Michigan.

“We’re going to narrow it down,” Pray said. “I’m absolutely looking forward to helping the new superintendent any way I can, no matter how long it takes. Whenever they feel comfortable I’ll be there. Everything should be in play by beginning to mid-September. I don’t see it taking any longer than that to get them on board.”