Committee to aid search for OKC superintendent

The leader of the Oklahoma City School Board and three others will assist a consultant with the search for a new superintendent. Chairwoman Paula Lewis announced Wednesday that she had appointed herself and board members Rebecca Budd, Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs and Ruth Veales to work with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association on the selection and hiring process.

“This committee will be meeting soon to develop a timeline for the search, which will include efforts to engage the community and other key stakeholders as we make our recommendation,” Lewis said in a statement.

The eight-member panel voted to hire the school boards association Monday night.

The association will work with the board committee to establish a search timeline, advertise the vacancy nationally, respond to inquiries about the opening and schedule interviews with finalists, among other services. The total cost of the superintendent search will not exceed $30,000 without board approval, according to a contract signed by Lewis on Monday.

Rebecca Kaye is the district’s acting superintendent. She assumed that role Feb. 1 following Superintendent Aurora Lora’s resignation.