PERRYVILLE SCHOOLS HAVE RECEIVED 15 INQUIRIES FOR SUPERINTENDENT

PERRYVILLE -- Despite the number of area school districts looking for a new superintendent, Dennis Martin remains optimistic about Perry County's search.

The school board has had 15 inquiries so far, and more are expected before the Dec. 23 application deadline.

"This is the normal cycle," said Martin, who serves as school board president. "And as along as we are in the cycle I feel OK."

If the district was having to conduct its search in May there could be serious problems, he said.

Dr. Rex Miller, superintendent of Perryville schools, will resign July 1. He is serving out the last year of his three-year contract.

Once the application deadline passes, board members will meet to review resumes and then determine semifinalists. After that round of interviews, finalists will be chosen and asked to meet with staff, teachers and the community.

It is similar to processes under way in Cape Girardeau and Jackson school districts. Two finalists met with the public in Cape Girardeau this week, and Jackson school board members will review their applications on Friday.

Dr. Paul Turner, a former assistant superintendent in Perryville, is helping the board with its hiring process. Turner has interviewed every board member about qualities sought in a new school leader.

Because Turner has the respect of the community and has maintained contacts in the education field, it seemed best to hire him as a consultant rather than use a representative from the Missouri School Boards Association, Martin said.

The board is looking for a person who has strong curriculum guidance, is concerned with staff development and student achievement, and has a knack for budgeting and finance, Martin said.

A new superintendent should be named by the board by the end of January.