By Lisa Tindell
news editor

With the clock ticking on a 180-day time frame, the Escambia County Board of Education’s search for a new superintendent is on target with an approved timeline for action.
Randall Little, who is serving as interim superintendent, said the superintendent search was moving along just as expected.
“Our attorney Broox Garrett spoke to the board to let us know that we are right on schedule with the superintendent search,” Little said. “The close of applications will be Feb. 27.”
The superintendent’s spot became vacant when William H. Hines retired from the position effective Dec. 1, 20111.
At the time of his announcement, Hines said the decision was financially sound for his future.
“After considering some recent legislative actions I feel it would be in the best interest of my family and me if I retired as of Dec. 1,” Hines told the board. “My contract with the county would have been up in May (2012), but economics made retiring sooner best for my family.”
In an October 2011 meeting of the board, Little was selected to serve in the position until such time as a search for a replacement for Hines could be completed.
“We are where we want to be in the search process,” Little said Friday. “With the closing of applications this month, the board should begin interviews March 8.”
Little said the interview process could take some time, but a selection could be made as soon as the March board meeting.
“The board could announce a selection for superintendent at the regular meeting in March,” Little said. “There is a chance they could extend the search as well. It will be at their discretion.”
In the original timeline set for replacing Hines in the superintendent’s position, board officials had said they hope to have a candidate selected and an offer for employment made by April. The superintendent’s position would be filled with work to begin for the new leader set for May.