The field of candidates in Guilderland’s search for a new school superintendent is beginning to narrow, and none of the finalists are from within the district.
The school board revealed that 24 resumes were reviewed and seven of those candidates will be moving to the next round of decisions.
We’re happy, said Richard Weisz, Guilderland school board president. `We have a good cross group of people from all around the country with different qualities, including those with leadership experience and others with technical education leadership.`
The search for a new school superintendent is being led by the school board with assistance from Barbara Nagler and Catherine Gerbino, two members of Capital Region BOCES.
Current Superintendent Gregory Aidala is retiring in November after serving in the position for seven years.
`I’m going to miss Greg, but I believe we will have a highly qualified superintendent who will be ready to take over before Greg leaves,` said Weisz.
The board will begin meeting with the seven finalists beginning June 12. Weisz said the candidates who interview well will then be asked to meet with a superintendent search committee being formed from a cross section of residents from the school community, including parents, teachers and administrators.
`They have been open with the process,` said Aidala referring to the school board’s search for a new superintendent. `They want an experienced administrator with central office experience.`
One clear decision that has already been made by the board is that the new superintendent will not be a school principal.
`We have decided not to include candidates who do not have districtwide experience,` Weisz said. `We expect a lot of leadership, and candidates should demonstrate that experience.`
Another decision is that candidates do not necessarily have to have a doctorate’s degree.
Some of the candidates are from within the state and some are not. Neither Weisz nor Aidala would say if there are any candidates from the Capital District.
`Until we reach a point where we really want to explore candidates, we will not be publishing any names,` Weisz said.
Aidala said the salary range given to candidates who applied for the superintendent’s position was around $160,000 a year.
Community interviews with the final candidates for the job will begin July 9.
After those meetings, the board will then cut the field down to three finalists.
`We want to be in a position to make an offer to one of the candidates by August,` Weisz said.
The school board would like the new superintendent in place before the district budget process begins in November.
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