The search for a new superintendent continues with the school board having selected three finalists. The board has already interviewed two of the three individuals for a second time, and the third finalist is scheduled to return within the next week.

The finalists who have already gone through this stage of the interviewing process are Dr. Jeff Swensson and Dr. Michael Benway. Swensson is the current assistant superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Carmel Clay Schools, and Benway is the superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools.

Both of these finalists have already toured the community and schools, attended a public “meet and greet” session and experienced a second formal interview by the board.

The name of the third finalist has yet to be announced. However, the applicant will soon go through the same interview process as the other two finalists.

The outside consulting firm, BWP and Associates, has been assisting the board with the superintendent search. Ron Barnes, consultant with the firm, said, “I expect the board to make a decision within the next two to three weeks. The board will be vetting candidates and making a site visit to their top choice. This, along with their two interviews, will help them find their best fit.”

Although Superintendent Barb Underwood will not be making the decision regarding her replacement, she said she’d help with the transition. She said, “I won’t be involved in finding a replacement, because this is truly one of those cases where it has to be a great partnership with the board and superintendent.” By Sarah Sheafer <[email protected]>