Interim Cape school superintendent could be named Wednesday

Board members could name an interim superintendent for Cape Girardeau schools Wednesday.

In closed session, they will discuss offering a contract to an unnamed individual. Typically the board would meet again later to approve the contract, but the candidate could be available to sign it the same night.

"There might be a possibility we could finish up in one sitting. It depends on logistics," board president Dr. Steven Trautwein said.

Originally, board vice president Kyle McDonald indicated the board could know Monday whether a candidate they had in mind was interested. McDonald did not immediately return a call for comment Monday. Trautwein said he had not heard of a decision being made by Monday.

"There have been conversations with a specific individual. Other than that, I am not at liberty to say," he said.

The board voted Nov. 19 to place Dr. David Scala on administrative leave and to terminate his contract as superintendent effective Dec. 19. A specific reason was not given.

Scala announced in October his intent to resign at the end of the school year. Board members hired the Missouri School Board Association this month to assist in finding a new superintendent.

Two forums will be held today for staff and community members to discuss qualities they would like to see in a permanent replacement. At 4 p.m., teachers and principals will meet, and at 6 p.m. community leaders and parents will meet. The second session is open to the public and will be held in room 214 at the district administrative offices, 301 Clark Ave. About 40 people, selected by board members, have been individually invited.

Board members have already said they would like to see a superintendent who is knowledgeable in Missouri finance laws, is visible in the community, conducts good evaluations and understands accountability. They decided to not advertise a specific salary range, instead choosing to list it as negotiable, based on qualifications.

Results of the forum discussions and surveys filled out afterward will be compiled and used in advertising the position and in evaluating candidates.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123