The St. Paul school board is expected to name three finalists for its superintendent vacancy on Thursday.
The search by Iowa firm Ray and Associates turned up 65 applicants and 13 semifinalists.
Board members will identify three finalists for interviews, and they’ll travel for visits to the candidates’ current school districts.
The public is invited to meet the finalists from 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 29 at Washington Technology Magnet, 1495 Rice St.
Retired Roseville superintendent John Thein has served as interim superintendent since June, when the school board bought out the final 30 months of Valeria Silva’s contract. Thein does not want the job on a permanent basis.
More than 2,000 people responded to two district surveys to inform the school board’s selection.
Respondents identified school safety, budget shortfalls and racial equity as the three most important issues facing the district.
They said they want a superintendent who will consider different perspectives, understands racial equity, puts students first, is a strong communicator and has had a long career in education with “direct student experience.”
The board could vote on the hire in late April but no date has been set.
The starting salary was advertised at about $238,000.
Silva was making $224,000 in salary and longevity pay in her final year. Thein’s salary is $202,500.