Communication with parents and the School Board, as well as maintaining high test scores are the biggest concerns from the more than 300 Rutherford County residents who provided input about qualities they would like to see in the next director of schools.

The Rutherford County School Board and officials from the Tennessee School Board Association conducted a special meeting Thursday to discuss citizen responses to a survey and finalize criteria meant to guide the search for the next director of Rutherford County Schools.

The School Board held its first meeting on the issue Feb. 15 where many residents discussed openly their concerns and ideas for the next director.

Citizens were asked to fill out an online survey regarding criteria for the next director of schools.

More than 300 participants responded to three questions designed to measure what residents think is going well in the school system and what could be improved upon.

Participating citizens, on average, believe there is strong cooperation from the School Board, academic scores are impressive, and agree Rutherford County has excellent teachers.

Residents who filled out the survey also ranked personal qualities they would like to see in the next director.

Rounding out the top three qualities was a desire for someone who understands, follows and communicates all guidelines and polices, provides direction to employees, and treats students, employees, and parents with respect.

“For a community this size, it (the number of responses) shows people are fairly content with the way the school district is moving,” said Randall Bennett, deputy executive director of the School Board Association.

The School Board discussed details of the application process, interviewing, and how it will choose the right person to replace Harry Gill Jr., who resigned without reason in December 2011. His resignation is affective when his contract expires this summer.

To be considered, a qualifying candidate must have at least a master’s degree in education and three years of successful experience in school administration. A doctoral degree is preferred but not required.

Five candidates will be referred to the School Board for the interview process.

School Board Member Aaron Holladay suggested having candidates submit some written responses as part of the interview process to give candidates time to answer difficult questions and see their written skills.

School Board Chairman Mark Byrnes said he was against that idea.

“I don’t want the interview to turn into them submitting a term paper,” Byrnes said.

The board also discussed providing general questions to the final candidates in advance and giving follow up questions to test their ability to handle impromptu situations during the interview.

Grant Kelley, a school board member, argued against making the process too complex because it could backfire.

“I’d hate to scare off a good candidate with our actions,” Kelley said.

The School Board moved the deadline for applications to March 21, allowing a month for those interested to apply.

Rutherford County residents have already submitted nine different individuals as suggestions to the School Board Association. Those nine individuals will receive an invitation to apply for the position along with a brochure outlining Rutherford County’s successes and criteria for the next director of schools.

The brochure is posted on the Rutherford County Schools website, found at rcs.k12.tn.us, for all residents to view.