By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

The search is on for a new superintendent for District 9 schools.

Parents, school board officials and representatives from the United Federation of Teachers are concluding the first round of a three-tier screening process.

The selection of the superintendent, more known in education circles as Chancellor's Regulation 37 (C-37), began last June when then-superintendent Maria Santary-Guasp retired. Committee members are required to open the field to all interested parties and then perform a vigorous screening process, ensuring that all applicants are qualified. They look at several criteria, including educational experience and credentials.

The committee has reviewed 28 resumes. "We're almost ready to move to the next level," said District 9 School Board President Gwen Primus. "We have a good pool of candidates to choose from."

The process is grueling. Superintendents are directly responsible for ensuring that all schools in the district are meeting educational standards. In District 9, that task is not easy. For more than 25 years, the district has endured severe hardships. Allegations of corruption and routine low scores on citywide tests have done little to bolster morale, placing additional pressure on any superintendent to vastly improve the district's abysmal record.

"The job ahead for any superintendent is tough," said district 9's interim superintendent and a potential candidate, Dr. Stanley Mimms. "I am confident that the committee will make a wise choice."

Once the process moves to level two, the screenings will intensify. There, the community board has jurisdiction. They must scrutinize each candidate and narrow the field to at least four finalists, who will then be submitted to the chancellor for approval. During this time, under C-37 regulation, they are also required to hold public forums. All this is expected to be completed within 30 days.

The chancellor has final say as to who will be the next superintendent. He, too, has 30 days to accept or decline the school board's recommendation. If all goes according to schedule, District 9 could have a permanent superintendent in place by May.

"The process in long, but the results will greatly affect our children's lives," said Ms. Primus. "We have to make sure we make the right choice."