Public’s input sought on NK school superintendent search

New Kent school officials plan to seek input from county residents concerning the search for a new school superintendent.

Current superintendent Rick Richardson announced recently that he plans to retire, effective July 31. At their Jan. 27 work session, county school board members embarked on the first steps aimed at finding Richardson’s replacement.

A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 7 p.m. at the school board office meeting room inside the county’s old courthouse building. School officials will want to hear county residents’ ideas on the qualifications the next superintendent should possess.

Also, school officials are seeking public input via a survey posted on-line. Hard copies for those lacking Internet access are available at the school board office and offices at all four county schools.

The survey is on line now through Feb. 24 and can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NewKentCoSupt.

“Hiring a new superintendent is the biggest task facing a school board and we want to make sure that the public has a voice in this process,” said board chair Leigh Quick in a press release. “We hope that parents, staff and residents will take time to fill out the survey and/or attend the public hearing.”