There were 24 applicants for the position, said Campbell, search consultant for K12 Consulting.
The other finalists from the 24 candidates that applied for the job are: Scott Bloom, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Piqua City Schools; Brooke Gessler, Director of Curriculum, Sidney City Schools; Kevin Casey, Student Services Coordinator, Middletown City Schools; John Holtzapple, Principal, Anna Elementary School; Kimberly Halley, Assistant Superintendent, Reynoldsburg City Schools; and Scott Gephart, High School Principal, Spencerville Local Schools
Other Graham news: Coronavirus: Some Clark, Champaign schools announce graduation dates
The first round of interviews will be held in executive session at special meetings on Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5. “It is the hope of the board that finalists will be selected after all interviews on May 5,” Campbell said.
The second round of interviews will be held on Monday, May 11, also in executive session at a special meeting. If interviews can be held in person, they will be at Graham High School.
“It is the hope that these interviews can be held in person and still meet guidelines of social distancing and meeting with 10 or fewer people,” said Campbell.
“It is the plan of the board to hire the new superintendent at a special board meeting on May 13,” Campbell said.
Other Graham news: Clark, Champaign schools engage with students online during break
Campbell said when K12 Consulting is looking for applicants, they normally hold “focus groups with key stakeholders to determine what qualities people are looking for in their new superintendent.”
“We were unable to hold focus groups due to COVID-19, but we did survey stakeholders groups. We had 130 responses to the surveys,” she said. “Another part of the search for Graham will be to identify and invite a stakeholder group that will meet the finalists virtually on the night of final interviews.”
The board also needs to determine the questions to ask during first and second interviews, the compensation and benefit package that will offered to the successful candidate, and the contract, Campbell said.
“K12 is excited and committed to getting a great leader for the school district,” she said.
The board named Matt Curtis interim superintendent with plans to serve for this school year, after former superintendent, Kirk Kirk Koennecke, left in July to become the Indian Hill Exempted School District in the Cincinnati suburbs.
The board is also seeking applicants to fill a vacancy after Steve Price resigned from his unexpired term as he and his family are relocating. The board must name a replacement for his seat within 30 days.
About the Author