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The search for a new superintendent for the Summerland Public School district is underway.

If all things proceed on schedule, a new district leader could be named by early February.

Board of education members met with Darren Tobey and Alan Ehlers, consults with McPherson Jacobsen, a search firm, based in Omaha, during a Dec. 9 special meeting, in Clearwater.

Qualities expected in a new administrator were discussed, with four key components identified:

• An involved school and community leader who embraces the opportunities and challenges of integrating three schools/communities;

• Active and engaged community leader who is approachable, energetic, and possesses great communication skills;

• Able to develop and maintain an efficient budget that meets students' needs in a fiscally-responsible manner and

•A progressive instructional leader with an emphasis in technology.

Members agreed they prefer a candidate with experience, although it will not be required.

"I don't think we would weed someone out just because they don't, if everything else checks the boxes," Nate Schwager said.

Steven Thiele added an "up-and-coming" principal may be interested in the position.

Advertising for the position started earlier this month on the McPherson Jacobson website. It will also be posted on the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and Teach NE websites.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 14.

Community members identified by board members will participate in a meeting with board members during the first week in January.

"We meet with stakeholders that day," Ehlers said.

Students and staff members will also be part of the process.

A survey for stakeholders will be available online, beginning Jan. 8.

Candidate selection will take place Feb. 1, during a third board of education meeting.

Currently, four days of interviews are scheduled.

During the meeting, interview schedules will be finalized and interview questions reviewed. School and community chairs will meet and review input.

Beginning Feb. 8, one candidate will be interviewed daily.

Ehlers said candidates will arrive in the morning, tour communities, take part in interviews and have an informal dinner with board members.

"Following the dinner, you have a formal interview," he said. "Usually, the next Monday, you turn around and offer."

Stakeholders will offer input, daily, for use during deliberations.

"You want someone who can come in and see them in action, you see them in a full day," Ehlers said. "This is a huge decision for you and them."

A special board meeting will be held, Feb. 8, to approve the contract.