The board has

discussed how to best approach locating and hiring the next superintendent.

Accordingly, the board reviewed several options and interviewed two search

firms.

Brock and Ingram

has handled a number of searches throughout Georgia.

The firm has

a successful track record in that all superintendent searches they have

conducted were successful, said board members. Every superintendent placed

renewed.

Among those

successful searches are Cobb County, Bartow County and Cherokee County.

According to board members, another reason they chose this search firm

is because the firm handles only one search at a time so it will be able

to give full attention to the Coweta County search. The board also was

able to successfully negotiate a contract with this firm that ensures

that no fee will be paid unless a successful candidate is selected.

Coweta County

Board of Education Chairman Mike Sumner summed up the board's outlook

on this process: "We are excited about this proven search process

and we are excited about the great opportunity we have to ensure continued

excellence for this school system."

The board has

indicated that the process will begin immediately.

Although the

search is a personnel matter, the public will have the opportunity to

know who the finalist(s) are at least two weeks prior to any action being

taken.

Citizens also

will have the opportunity to give their input as to the qualities they

would like to see in their new superintendent. The board is preparing

a survey form that will be available to all.

The board will

receive that input from the public and all interested parties are invited

to participate.

The board is

not going to place any artificial time line on the search process, but

board members expect to have the new superintendent selected by the first

part of 2002 so the successful candidate will have the opportunity to

work closely with Brooks for the 2002-2003 budget, as well as further

ensure that a smooth transition occurs.

The search

will be national in its scope and will include non-traditional candidates,

but board members are quick to point out that they will look at all candidates

including current employees of the Coweta system.

"Our objective

is simply to find the best person to serve as our next superintendent,"

said Sumner.

"Mr. Ingram

and I are pleased to have the opportunity to manage the Coweta County

School System superintendent search, said Glenn Brock, search consultant.

"Coweta County enjoys an excellent reputation. The stability of the

school system, combined with the citizens' continued support, will make

this system very attractive to top quality superintendents," he added.