The search team, which consists of the entire Board and is chaired by immediate past president and Board Member Sandra Chapman of Wheeling, discussed timelines and responsibilities related to the search. The search team:  

-Set a June 30, 2005 target deadline to name a new state superintendent -Agreed to create an advisory board consisting of educational stakeholders -Directed the WVBOE Strategic Planning Committee to draft a job posting for consideration by the full Board at next week's meeting -Directed the WVBOE Communications Committee to draft a plan for disseminating the posting nationwide for consideration by the full Board at next week's meeting  

"While it is important to gather input from educational stakeholders and the community, and we will do so, the task is entrusted to us and the decisions concerning a new superintendent of schools will be made by the members of the West Virginia Board of Education," said Board Member Sandra Chapman.  

While the WVBOE is committed to finding a new superintendent by a target date of June 30, 2005, all members agreed that with that optimism there is needed flexibility necessary due to various unforeseen circumstances such as scheduling conflicts and appropriate notification to all concerned parties.  

"I know that when board members took the oath of office we made a commitment to the children of West Virginia," said Board Member Delores Cook. "The bottom line is that we have to make this decision and I am confident we will find the right person for the job."  

Superintendent David Stewart recently announced his retirement and upon accepting that resignation at its regular meeting on April 14, 2005, the Board began its work in naming his successor.  

The search committee will meet again on April 29, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Board Conference Room, Capitol Building 6, Room B-353, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.