All of the applications regarding the new superintendent have been received by b.w.p and Associates, the outside consulting firm in charge of the search, and will be reviewed this week. The firm plans to present a slate of candidates to the school board on Nov. 9.

According to Ron Barnes, consultant with the firm, there were about 30 applications submitted. Although most of the candidates are from Indiana, there are a few from other states. Barnes said, “We are in the process of vetting the candidates and will do some preliminary interviews. Hopefully the process will be completed by Thanksgiving.”

As the superintendent search nears the final stages, Superintendent Barb Underwood said she feels proud to have been a part of this community, and hopes her replacement will provide a new perspective.

“The new superintendent needs to respect what we’ve done, but they also need to be able to change what needs to be and take it to a higher level,” Underwood said. “I told them to hire the smartest and most creative person. Because we have certain challenges we’ll need to face, I hope that a different perspective will help.” By Sarah Sheafer <[email protected]>