Solon superintendent hire could come next week

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Solon school board could hire the district's next superintendent next week, the board vice president said Thursday.

The board this spring has been searching for a replacement for Sam Miller, who said last month he is leaving to take over Area Education Agency 267 in Cedar Falls.

Rick Jedlicka, the Solon board vice president, said the board planned to meet Friday evening to select six semifinalists from among more than 40 applicants for the position.

Those candidates will then interview with the board in closed meetings Monday and Tuesday. Two final candidates likely will be announced Wednesday and will come back for all-day interviews Thursday, Jedlicka said.

The finalists will meet Thursday with several groups, Jedlicka said: parents, a panel of community members, teachers, support staff, students, principals, administrators and the board. The board also will hold community forums Thursday with the finalists and will meet Thursday night with the hope of deciding on a candidate, Jedlicka said.

The board has scheduled a meeting for next Friday morning with the approval of a superintendent contract on the agenda. Board members hope to approve a contract and announce the next superintendent at that time, barring any delays, Jedlicka said.

Under Miller, the approximately 1,200-student Solon Community School District has experienced enrollment growth and has become a leader in graduation rates and new grading practices among Corridor schools. Miller has led the district since 2010.

The district also passed a $25.5 million bond issue in September to fund the construction of a new middle school and high school additions including a new performing arts center.

Jedlicka said growth and facilities are on the top of the board's priority list for the next superintendent. He said the board was not looking for a superintendent of a specific age but hoped the next superintendent would continue Miller's work.

'We're just looking for the best qualified candidate we can find,” Jedlicka said.

The board hopes the next superintendent will start July 1 and is offering a salary of $160,000 plus benefits, according to an advertisement for the position.