By ASHLEY FOX

Staff writer

POLAND — Poland Local school board members are beginning their search for a new superintendent.

In a unanimous vote this week, the board of education decided to proceed with Finding Leaders, of the Cleveland area, to guide the process.

Annie Colucci, board member, said she was impressed by what Finding Leaders was able to present to the board, given COVID-19 restrictions and recent inclement weather. “I also like their time frame … and the cost is reasonable,” she added.

The cost will be $15,000 from the school districtás general fund.

Three companies submitted bids: the Ohio School Boards Association, Finding Leaders and McPherson and Jacobsen of Nebraska, the latter of which held appeal to school board President Gregg Riddle.

âSo many talented people have left the greater Youngstown area… So to find a search firm from the center of the countryã could have been an opportunity to bring someone new to the area to the Poland district, Riddle said.

But, he added: “I would prefer to select Finding Leaders.”

Once a candidate is selected, the board will be guided with a transitional plan, said board member Larry Warren.

Larry Dinopoulos, a board member, commented his first choice was OSBA. “But seeing as I’m outnumbered… Let’s go with No. 2,” which is Finding Leaders, he said.

In October, former Superintendent David Janofa announced his intent to retire after eight years with the district.

After a search, Edwin Holland was named interim superintendent in October.

On Feb. 8, the board had a special meeting to interview OSBA, Finding Leaders and McPherson and Jacobsen.

During the discussion portion of the regular meeting Monday, board members discussed polling options.

As a board, they initially decided to include Treasurer Janet Muntean, director of Student Services Mark Zura and Darlene Fetherolf, secretary to the superintendent.

But Dinopoulos said employees should not be polled, due to board members ultimately making the decision on who will become superintendent.

âYour responsibility is to hire a superintendent. This is our decision and I think it puts them in a difficult situation, putting them on the record,ã he said. Each board member agreed.

Next, the board will have a special meeting to enter executive session to flesh out more details with a consultant from Finding Leaders, likely early next week, said Holland.

Focus groups including district employees and community members and stakeholders will be formed over the next four to five weeks, Holland said.

The district is anticipating having a new candidate selected in May or June, and “on board in July, no later than Aug. 1,” Holland said.

afox@tribtoday.com