The school superintendent's office this week listed an internal posting for the high school principal's job, following Alan Winrow's decision to take the top job at Mashpee High School.
Interviews for the principal's job will be opened to candidates from outside the district "if we do not have a viable internal candidate," said Superintendent June Doe. "If there is not an internal candidate, we would look externally."
No one has applied yet, said Doe.
In the meantime, administrators are soliciting feedback from parents, students and the public about what they want in a new principal. A letter going home to high school and eighth-grade parents asks them to send advice by mail or e-mail to Doe's assistant, Allison Potter.
"This is going to require a lot of reflection and a lot of thought about the right fit for the right place at the right time," said Doe.
Doe and the two assistant superintendents and two assistant high school principals will review the comments.
Administrators are also asking parents to include general remarks about the improvements they would like to see in the high school, such as new courses, for example. "These would not be instant changes, but a look to the future," she said.
A committee including a parent, School Committee member, administrative staff members and possibly a student would interview candidates and narrow the field to three finalists. The committee will forward their names to the superintendent.
Doe said the pool of candidates nationwide has narrowed over the years and, as a result, she has been encouraging promising teachers at the middle school and high school to get the certification to become a principal or assistant principal.
"When we see a talented, strong teacher, we tell them we think it would be good for you to move toward administrative licensure. When we see people who have the qualifications to become good administrators, we want to encourage them to begin coursework," she said.
Daily News staff writer Anna Kivlan can be reached at 781-433-8336 or akivlan@cnc.com.
