By By KERRY WHIPPLE BEAN – Publisher
The Escambia County Board of Education is nearing the end of one phase of its search for a new superintendent.
The postmark deadline for applications was Friday, so board attorney Broox Garrett did not have a final tally on applicants as of Friday. But applications will next be sent to a consulting firm to narrow down the qualified candidates to three, he said. And local in-system applicants will also receive an interview by the board.
Interviews will be open to the public.
Superintendent Melvin &#8220Buck” Powell announced in January he will retire from the position July 1. Powell has been with the school system for six years.
The school board has set a salary range of $92,000 to $94,452 for the new superintendent. Garrett said the school board has not set a specific timeline for the hire but hopes to have one in place perhaps by early May, in time to ensure a smooth transition.