The outside consulting firm b.w.p. and Associates, which is in charge of finding a new superintendent, will meet Sept. 14 with several groups in order to conduct a leadership profile audit. Throughout the day, special focus groups will be conducted with groups such as students, faculty and past and present school board members.

The meetings are meant to ask four main questions that will help the firm in finding a new superintendent: What are the strengths of Carmel Clay Schools, what are some of the challenges the schools face, what special attributes are needed to be successful in this school system and what else is needed in the new superintendent in order for them to do a good job.

After b.w.p and Associates gather information during these meetings, it will present an oral report to Carmel Clay Schools board on Sept. 15. Afterwards, the firm will begin its search looking for the new superintendent. Consultants with the firm, Ron Barnes and Jim Warren, will lead the search and focus groups taking place on Sept. 14.

Barnes said, “Our job is to look throughout the country and find a new superintendent.”

Along with the various meetings in which only invited individuals may participate, there will be two community meetings at 7:30 p.m. in the middle schools. Barnes said, “Anyone can come. We encourage (students) to participate in the evening meetings as well.”

Superintendent Barb Underwood plans to retire at the end of December. Although the replacement is not her decision, Underwood said she hopes the person who takes her place will make the district even better. She said, “We’ve taken a district with excellence and raised the bar. I really think we have a culture here where we can always try to get better. This is a great place to be a superintendent. Despite the challenges, I’ll take away a great sense of pride. Hopefully, I’ve had a little part of (this district’s success).”