LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR SUPERINTENDENT NOW STANDS AT 18

The application deadline for Cape Girardeau superintendent passed Thursday, and some 18 people have submitted the required paperwork to advance to the next step in the selection process.

Cape Girardeau Superintendent Dan Tallent will leave the school district's top post June 30. Board of Education President R. Ferrell Ervin said the board hopes to offer the job to someone before Christmas.

The school board is working with the Missouri School Boards Association in conducting the superintendent search. Applicants sent information to the MSBA that will be forwarded to the Cape Girardeau board.

"I have been told by the MSBA consultant that we have had more than 50 people who have expressed an interest and participated in some fashion," Ervin said.

Superintendent candidates must submit a host of materials covering education and job experience. About 18 people have submitted what are considered full packets of information. That number could change as the MSBA consultant double checks packets to see if all the required information is included. The MSBA also will do an initial review of the information to check on accuracy of submitted materials.

The complete packets will be forwarded to the Cape Girardeau board. A closed meeting is set Tuesday at 6 p.m. to review the applications.

"Basically the candidates are from this region or are individuals who have a Missouri connection," Ervin said.

At Tuesday's meeting board members likely will determine how best to review the applications, Ervin said.

"We hope to be able to identify, at least on paper people who appear to have the qualifications and qualities we're seeking in a superintendent," Ervin said.

In September the MSBA held discussions locally to determine what qualifications and qualities are desirable for the school's leader.

"Ultimately, we hope to have a group of finalists identified that meet or exceed what we expect in a superintendent," Ervin said.

The finalists will be invited to Cape Girardeau to visit with various groups and people here. Public meetings are planned.

Once the board narrows the search to one or two finalists, members of the school board plan visits to the home communities of the finalists.

"We are determined to find an outstanding individual to come in and work with the board to maintain the best quality education we can offer the young people in Cape Girardeau," Ervin said.