The Merrillville School Board is progressing in its hunt for a new superintendent and will begin interviewing candidates next week, according to board president Judy Dunlap.
Superintendent Nick Brown, who’s headed the district since 2018, announced his retirement last year.
During his tenure, the high school’s graduation rate grew steadily to 93% last year. He also is overseeing $140 million worth of capital projects, including a new $21 million, 57,000-square-foot career and technical education building at the high school. It’s expected to be completed in August.
Improvements are also underway at each of the district’s eight schools.
Dunlap said Tuesday the board wants its next superintendent to have many of the same qualities Brown embodied
She said the board was impressed with the high number of candidates who applied for the job.
A university placement team from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is conducting the search.
Dunlap said the school board plans to whittle the candidates down to about three after the initial round of interviews. It hopes to name Brown’s successor by the end of April or early May.
Brown’s last day is June 28 and the new superintendent will start July 1.
“We’re looking for steady leadership, a very personable and charismatic person and someone who has knowledge of special education,” said Dunlap. “We want them to lead by example.”
Next year, Merrillville is leaving the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative and will oversee its own special education services, Dunlap said.
Meanwhile, the Gary School Board is continuing its superintendent search and also plans to have a new leader in place on July 1.
Gary has partnered with BWP & Associates, which is conducting its search. Its application deadline is Saturday.
On Monday, the board reviewed a superintendent’s profile, derived in part from community surveys, which drew nearly 500 responses. The board will review a 54-page document from those surveys and the leadership profile will be made public.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.