Trustees of Pleasant Grove Independent School District will interview six of the 44 applicants vying for the open position of superintendent. That decision came Thursday during the executive session of a special meeting to review the candidates.
A vote was made to conduct the interviews July 18, 20 and 21, according to Jeff Harris, school board president.
"We completed a thorough review of all the applicants and felt like we had a strong group to look at and do initial research," he said. "We strongly believe that we have the opportunity to bring an outstanding proven leader to Pleasant Grove."
The superintendent search is being conducted by Arrow Educational Services Inc., based in Henderson, Texas. Arrow posted the open position in May following the retirement of Dr. Todd Williams, who held the top spot in the district for just three years. Mark Roberts, PG's former school services director, was named interim superintendent following William's departure and will lead the district until a superintendent is hired.
Harris said the applications came from locations all over the state and even out-of-state. Those chosen to be interviewed demonstrated the skills trustees felt were needed to lead PGISD to greater success, he said.
"We are obviously looking at their experience level and track record," Harris said. "And we're looking for a candidate with experience with strong leadership skills."
Following the interviews, trustees will then further narrow the candidates until they select PG's next leader.
When trustees entered into the search contract with Arrow in May, firm representative Jim Dunlap said the search would would be adjusted to the district's timeline, and would be as long or as short as needed. He also reassured the board the search would be done to their specifications.
"I'm looking you straight in the eye and saying we're gonna get the job done and we're gonna do it the way you want to do it, and you're gonna be pleased in the process," he said. "And if you're not pleased with the process, you don't pay me."