Troy sets plan for finding new superintendent

Consultants meet with community, school board to assess needs.

TROY — The Troy City Schools Board of Education will begin interviewing superintendent candidates March 19 following an application and recruiting process that included a community meeting last week for input on characteristics desired in the next district leader.

K-12 Business Consulting Inc. of New Albany is working with the board of education in the search to replace Eric Herman, who is retiring July 31. Herman has been with the district 20 years, serving as interim superintendent in summer 2010 and superintendent in March 2011. He served as an assistant principal; principal; director of curriculum and technology; and assistant superintendent over the years.

The deadline for applicants is March 9.

The process of reviewing candidates and making recommendations to the board was outlined by consultants Dennis Leone and Lawrence Butler, both former school leaders. The company is being paid $17,900 for its services through the hiring of a new superintendent, said Jeff Price, district treasurer.

“We’ve learned a lot here,” Leone told around 20 people, including three former board of education members, attending the community meeting.

The consultants spent the day in the district, including meeting with students and administrators, before the community meeting. Among topics of discussion in the community was the district bond issue for new elementary schools that failed in November.

Several meeting participants said a major issue with the failed proposal was lack of communication. Others discussed the proposal to move from neighborhood elementary schools to two buildings at one location. The offerings of different opportunities at the various school locations today was cited as a concern by some participants.

Among topics discussed were district strengths; participants listed tradition, community involvement, fiscal responsibility, a strong community foundation, neighborhood schools, a wide range of opportunities for community involvement and a great draw for staff.

“The hiring of a new superintendent is also an opportunity. It is an important time, a transition,” Leone said.