Search begins for new Somers superintendent

The Somers School District is looking for a new superintendent, and school board trustees want community members to be part of the search.

To that end, the district has posted a survey on its website, asking people about the qualities they believe are important in a school superintendent.

The one-page survey also asks community members to choose qualifications they believe are essential in a superintendent and includes space for additional relevant comments.

The survey, which is available at www.somersdist29.org, will be up until 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The search for a new superintendent began when the district’s current superintendent, Teri Wing, announced her intent to resign at the end of the school year. She has been superintendent of the Somers district, which includes Somers Middle School and Lakeside Elementary, since 2004.

Wing said she hoped to move into another area of education.

The superintendent position appeared on a state job board late last week. The position will be posted through March 11 or until the job is filled.

According to the district’s website, trustees would like to choose a new superintendent within the next two months.

About 15 people already have inquired about the position, Wing said.

Board members Tim Rogge, Courtney Shaeffer and Alice Blasdel, with support from district clerk Diane Fetterhoff and Wing, are part of a committee focused on the superintendent search.

The group met Tuesday to solidify questions that will be included in the application packet, Wing said.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 1 in the Somers Middle School conference room.

At that time, committee members will use survey input to determine the criteria the district is looking for in a superintendent. If there is time, the group may start designing interview questions around those criteria, Wing said.