Altoona Area school board members are searching for 2013-14 superintendent candidates who are from Pennsylvania and who can maintain a school district's strengths while addressing its weaknesses.
"Superintendents aren't a dime a dozen," board member Tim Lucas said.
It's not that we are going to have dozens of applicants beating down our door. That's just not going to happen, I don't think," Lucas said. "I don't mean this as a slight to the area. Superintendents just aren't easy to come by."
As the early stages of the search begin, the board will likely seek recruiting assistance from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Lucas said.
The board hasn't met to discuss qualities they would seek in a superintendent, but experience is at the top of Lucas' list.
"I suspect we'll be looking at candidates with experience as superintendent at a smaller school district or as an assistant superintendent from a larger district," Lucas said.
Board President Ryan Beers said a candidate should have a vision for improving a school district.
"I'd like someone who evaluates the strengths of the district, sees the weaknesses and addresses them," Beers said.
Superintendent candidates should embody several qualities to win board member Dick Lockard's vote.
"We have to get somebody from Pennsylvania who knows Pennsylvania school law," Lockard said. "We have to get someone with good moral character who likes children, who knows how to operate a business and who can also be a public relations person to keep people informed."
Mirror Staff Writer Russ O'Reilly is at 946-7435.
