SNOOK, Texas (KRHD) — Snook ISD has begun its search for a new superintendent, with interim superintendent John O'Brien helping guide the district through the transition period.
"When it comes down to choosing that person that fits the district, that'll be up to the trustees and the community," O'Brien said.
The former superintendent, Dr. Megan Pape, left the school district to take a position with Royal ISD, prompting O'Brien to step in temporarily.
"We're just trying to help them get started with the school year and then help them in the process of getting a new superintendent," O'Brien said.
The Texas Association of School Boards is assisting the Snook ISD Board of Trustees with the search process, which has already attracted a few applicants. The application window will remain open throughout August and into the first part of September, after which the candidates will be narrowed and the trustees will conduct interviews.
Final candidates will do second interviews, and the district is actively seeking community involvement in the selection process.
"Another process that's in place right now that they're trying to do is get some community input, and so we have that out there on our social media pages [and] on our school website for people in the community to give some input [on] what they would like to see at that leadership role for the district," O'Brien said.
Whoever takes the permanent position will come into a district that has growth coming its way.
"We're pretty close to capacity as far as when it comes to size," O'Brien said. "So in the future, you know, a couple years from now, they're gonna have to look at different things when it comes to classroom size."
Despite the leadership transition, the Snook Blue Jays are excited and ready to keep flying forward.
15 ABC asked O'Brien if a transition period doesn't have to be a setback by any means.
"Correct, and we're gonna make sure it's not a setback," he said.
O'Brien tells 15 ABC that the goal is to have one finalist selected by late October.
Community members can participate in the input survey by clicking here.
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