As Scranton searches for superintendent, district to hold town halls

Sarah Hofius Hall, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Sep. 15—The Scranton School District wants to know what the public desires in the next superintendent.

With the application deadline for the position Sunday, the consultant leading the search will hold town hall meetings this Tuesday and the following Tuesday, Sept. 26.

"Anyone is free to come and let us know what they feel are the essential talents and characteristics we need in our new superintendent," board President Ro Hume said.

The town halls follow public surveys and the creation of focus groups.

School directors voted last month to hire Perry County-based Templeton Advantage for $20,000, plus expenses, to gather community feedback, find candidates and advise the district through the process. Melissa McTiernan left as superintendent Aug. 31, for the same title in the Phoenixville Area School District.

The appointment of a new leader could come this fall, before a new school board is seated in December, directors have said. In June, two candidates, Tom Borthwick and Robert J. Casey, threatened legal action if the current board entered or extended contracts, including that of the superintendent.

Board Vice President Sean McAndrew said directors are approaching the superintendent search unlike boards of the past. Directors say they have no information on who has applied for the job, or even the number of applicants.

"Any input from the community is great, because this decision is a major decision that affects the entire community," McAndrew said. "Hearing what parents, teachers, taxpayers and students want is going to help us make the decision."

Both town halls will begin at 6 p.m., on Tuesday at West Scranton Intermediate School, and on Sept. 26 at Scranton High School. Spanish and Swahili translators will be present.

Those unable to attend are urged to fill out the survey on the district website, scrsd.org, or email comments to board Secretary Virginia Orr at virginia.orr@ssdedu.org.

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter.