EASTHAMPTON — The School Committee has begun its search to replace the schools Superintendent Allison LeClair, who will retire at the end of the current school year.
The committee has advertised that it is looking for candidates for the position who have at least 10 years experience in education, including three years with administrative experience, and a master’s degree as well as a preference for those with advanced degrees.
The job posting, which was listed this week on a couple of websites, including the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, advertises a salary ranging between $142,000 to $157,000.
According to the posting, the deadline for applications is Friday, Jan. 13, with appointments with candidates to begin on or about April 1, and a new superintendent starting on July 1.
In addition to the call for applicants, the committee is also looking for 14 volunteers to serve on the Superintendent Search Committee, which will be responsible for whittling down the semifinalist field of an expected 10 to 12 candidates to between three and five finalists.
The School Committee is hoping to have a search committee of three teachers, one special education teacher, three parents, one special education coordinator, one director of business services, one city human resources director, one principal or assistant principal, one paraeducator support staff member, one community member and one student.
Those interested in volunteering are required to attend all of the interview sessions as the School Committee wants all candidates to be interviewed by the exact team of search committee members.
The sessions will be held on Jan. 12, 18-20, 23-26, 30-1, and Feb. 1, 2, 6-10, and 13.
Those interested in volunteering must submit a letter of interest, which includes the applicant’s name, address, contact information, group they would be representing, and description of their reason for wanting to be on the committee.
Letters of interest should be sent to Easthampton Public Schools, Attn: Suzanne Colby, 50 Payson Ave., Second Floor, Easthampton, MA 01027, by Friday, Jan. 6.
The School Committee is also seeking input from the community on developing a profile for the candidates for superintendent via a survey.
The survey is anonymous and available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DQGM7LH until Friday, Jan. 6.
Emily Thurlow can be reached at ethurlow@gazettenet.com.
