SCASD is looking for its next superintendent. This is how you can weigh in on the search

As the search for State College Area’s new superintendent ramps up, the district will hold several meetings for community members to share their thoughts.

In an email from board president Amber Concepcion sent to families on Friday, the board announced an upcoming survey and five town hall forums to solicit community input.

Community outreach is part of the board’s eight-step process to find a replacement for former superintendent Bob O’Donnell. Currently, former assistant superintendent Curtis Johnson is serving as interim superintendent.

Town halls will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8, 14, 21 and 29 at the district’s administrative offices in Panorama Village and led by the board’s consultant, Tom Templeton. A virtual meeting will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 19.

The board will also be consulting with staff and high school students to gather input on the search. Community members can also sign up for a focus group for the superintendent search at the district’s website.

“The information from these outreach efforts will assist the board in developing interview questions, analyzing candidate preparedness, conducting reference checks, constructing interviewing activities for candidates, and setting future goals for our district,” Concepcion wrote.

The district is also looking to hire a new director of equity and inclusivity after the Sept. 30 departure of Seria Chatters. Chatters served as the district’s director for four years, helping the district on matters of diversity and school environment.

Chatters is leaving the district to become assistant vice provost of educational equity at Penn State. In a letter sent out to families on Friday, Johnson thanked Chatter for her work with the district.

“Thanks to her expertise, leadership and dedication, we have not only made significant strides during her tenure but also have clarified the further equity work we must do to meet our current strategic plan goals,” Johnson said. “Dr. Chatters leaves a strong foundation for her eventual successor to build upon, and we are grateful to have benefited from her passion for helping students and colleagues.”