The portal is now open for the community to weigh in on the search for the next Covington County Schools superintendent.

Monday, the county school board met and gave their approval to an anonymous online survey, created through surveymonkey, which can be found by clicking here.

Residents are asked what skills, traits and experience they would like to see in the city’s next superintendent, who will replace Terry Holley when he retires this summer after 36 years in education.

The survey is part of a package created by Alabama Association of School Boards to help the CCSS choose a new superintendent. It will remain online until March 19.

“Years ago, we didn’t have an opportunity to have my voice heard (when it came to the hiring process), and we want to give our community that opportunity,” said board president Jimmy Prestwood. “I hope that people use this survey as it was intended – to give the board information to pick someone who is a good match for Covington County.”

The results of the survey will help guide the interview and selection process, said Susan Salter, AASB’s director of board development.

“The survey asks about the skills, experiences and background people think they next superintendent should have,” Salter said. “It will also ask about the biggest challenges the next leader will face. We do this to get a sense of what the community thinks will be important. It also helps us identify candidates who are the best fit for the community.”

The survey also specifically asks if the new superintendent should be chosen from among current county school system employees or if it should be an outside hire.

Once the survey period ends, the AASB will advertise the position and take applications.

“Then, we’ll screen the applicants down and recommend five finalists to the board,” she said. “Then the board will interview some or all of the finalists and choose the person who will be the best match for Covington County.”

Candidate interviews are tentatively set for the week of May 10.

The salary range for the new superintendent was set between $95,000-$102,000.

The board also agreed to a selection timeline that will name the new superintendent by June 1.

Holley will remain on staff until the end of August to assist in the transition.