ROANOKE, W.Va. — The search firm helping the the West Virginia Board of Education find its next state superintendent said it engaged with 248 individuals regarding the position.
From that pool, some 64 candidates spanning 43 states submitted applications.
“We were surprised to find that the majority of candidates applied because of West Virginia’s location and size,” said board president Gayle Manchin.
During a meeting at Stonewall Jackson Resort, the board went into executive session as Ray and Associates, Inc.—the company contracted to research the hire—outlined its evaluations of state superintendent candidates.
Having narrowed the pool, the state board hopes to complete its search by June 30, the day current superintendent James Phares’ resignation takes effect.
“We’re tremendously pleased not only with the number of candidates, but the level of quality of the candidates,” Manchin said.