Warren school board to discuss hopefuls

By Ed Runyan

runyan@vindy.com

WARREN

Warren Board of Education members will meet at noon Monday to possibly narrow down the field of superintendent candidates from four to a smaller number.

Kevin Stringer, board president, said the board met in private session Friday but still needs additional information before proceeding further. It’s unclear when the final choice will be made.

Stringer said the school board had hoped to have a final choice by now but is willing to take more time to make sure it makes the right choice.

“All of the candidates would be a good superintendent,” Stringer said. “That’s why it’s taken a while to make a decision. We want to make sure they are a good fit for the district.”

The board reduced its finalists from six to four on May 24. They are Kelly Brooks Washington, a coordinator for Akron city schools; Thomas Gay, president and CEO of School Groups in Michigan; Bruce Thomas, assistant and regional superintendent for Marietta city schools; and Clifford Wallace, dean of academic affairs for Bryant and Stratton College.

Five citizens, each representing a community organization, participated in interviews with the four finalists May 27.

Stringer said that session went well and the community’s input was helpful.

“I feel [the board members] are in accord with the public participants” in that both groups want someone who will produce high-achieving students and well rounded, successful adults, Stringer said.

One of the six groups invited to participate — the mayor’s office — was unable to send a representative, but the five other groups sent someone, Stringer said.

The board is hoping the person selected will have a specific plan to bring about student achievement in a fairly short time but who will stay with the district long enough to help maintain that achievement, Stringer said.