A 17-member committee will begin screening 21 applications for the Newberg superintendent position. Thirteen of the applicants are from out-of-state. The application period closed last week and committee members met last night to receive instructions on screening applicants..

OSBA search consultant Donna Herren told the committee of parents, staff, community and board members that the committee’s role is to reduce the number of candidates to a manageable size for interview consideration. The committee does not interview candidates nor does it check references. It will review online application packets that include an application, cover letter, evidence of administrative licensure, three to five letters of recommendation, a statement of qualities/qualifications and education, leadership and management philosophy. Herren required all committee members to sign life-time confidentiality agreements not to disclose any information learned from the applications.

The committee meets again April 12th to discuss candidates before the school board recommends five or six candidates to interview. The Newberg School Board expects to make the final hiring decision on May 8th.