Board members met with representatives from the consulting group Wednesday in Wayne County prior to its regular monthly meeting and plan to conduct monthly sessions with the consultants until a new superintendent is selected.
The board has also invited a select group of state leaders to serve in an advisory capacity in determining the qualities and characteristics for the new state school chief. The advisory group will meet September 30 to provide input to the board. The State Board will determine the final candidates and conduct interviews to fill the post no later than July 1, 2000.
"We think it is important to gain public input in this most important decision," said State Board President Cleo Mathews of Hinton. "Without question, selecting the state superintendent is one of the most significant determinations the board makes, and we want to make certain that we secure an individual who will provide the most outstanding leadership for West Virginia schools."
Isaacson, Miller also plan to meet with Gov. Underwood, legislative leaders, county superintendents, county school board members, Department of Education staff and others who will work closely with the new superintendent.