Mineral Wells school trustees meet Wednesday to discuss superintendent, could name finalist
May 6—MINERAL WELLS — School trustees hoping to find a new superintendent sooner than later meet Wednesday on internal applicants, the board president said Friday.
"We definitely wold like to have someone in place before the school year ends if at all possible," President Sunny Lee said. "So they can make plans for the next school year."
The 6 p.m. meeting, in the District Services Complex at 906 SW Fifth Ave., comes two weeks after John Kuhn's last day following eight years at the district helm. Kuhn took on a similar role for Abilene ISD on April 26.
"We definitely want someone to continue with what he started," Lee said. "We don't want to lose any momentum. We won't find a clone of him, but we want to find someone who understands the dynamics of our district and move forward."
Wording on the meeting agenda opens the window for trustees to name a lone finalist by the meeting's end. After the traditional public comment opening, a closed session follows to interview any candidates and consider potentially settling on a finalist.
State law requires school boards to name one or more finalists 21 days before hiring a superintendent.
Returning to open session, that naming is on the agenda as is appointing a committee to negotiate a contract.
Lee did not know how many applications have come from a so-far internal search for Kuhn's successor.
His assistant superintendent, David Tarver, was named interim chief when Kuhn's resignation was accepted.
A 27-year Ram, Tarver said that night he would apply for the permanent position.
Lee said she did not know how many applicants will be before the board Wednesday. Attorney Wanda Crass of the education specialist firm Leasor Crass has conducted the search.
"That (number) is something we won't find out till the day of," Lee said. "Obviously one, for sure. ... If we get in there and David Tarver is the only applicant who applied internally, we'll discuss naming him the lone finalist."
Potential action listed on the agenda also includes naming a subcommittee to negotiate a contract. Lee said that likely would be board members and possibly the attorney and Chief Financial Officer Paul Hearn.
"We don't have to move on every item," Lee added. "We want to have as few meetings as possible and get this done as quickly as possible and at the same time be thorough."
