The Covington County School Board could find out as early as next week what qualities the community believes the next superintendent needs.

Those results were determined using an online survey, which was the first part of a package created by Alabama Association of School Boards to help the CCSB choose a new superintendent.

More than 200 responses were submitted at the middle of the seven-day process, and the final number will be presented at a board meeting next week, said Susan Salter, AASB’s director of board development.

“But regarding the next step, we are in the recruiting phase now,” Salter said. “Lead consultant Hank Jones is working to identify candidates who would be a good fit for Covington County and talking to them about the position. We also are vetting candidates as they apply.

“There is not as much interaction with the (school) board at this phase, but there is a lot going on on our end,” she said. “The application deadline is April 18.”

The team of searchers will meet to review all the applicants and choose the five finalists. We will present those five to the board on about April 29, with iate interviews tentatively set for the week of May 10. The new superintendent is to be named by June 1.

Superintendent Terry Holley, who is retiring after 36 years in education, will remain on staff until the end of August to assist in the transition.