What the Neighbors Are Doing: Manassas Schools Interview for Superintendent Position

While the in a move its chairman called a "no brainer," the interview process for the next superintendent of Manassas City Schools is well underway.

and School Board Vice Chair Art Bushnell said in a recent interview he is thrilled with the candidates who have applied for the job. 

Bushnell said the school board is now conducting second interviews among a pool of "really, really outstanding candidates" that was narrowed down from the initial interview process.

Board members have asked all of the candidates one question: what can be done to make Manassas a top-notch school system?

School Board Member Kermit Dance said the best answer to the question has been that Manassas doesn't need to change a lot, but  the story of Manassas City Schools just needs to be told.

All of the board members agreed about what needs to be done to help the school system's reputation. "Let the world know that this system is one of the best in the nation," Dance said.

The school system announced at the end of April that after a thorough review of all applicants, 24 highly qualified candidates were being considered to be the next superintendent of schools in the city.

“We are pleased with the quality of applications and the large number who met the qualifications set by our community.  We look forward to selecting a new superintendent to help us continue to improve our system and better the education of all our students,” School Board Chair Scott Albrecht said. 

The candidates included 11 current and former superintendents from Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Mississippi and Georgia, the board said. 

Applications closed April 13.  The School Board will continue to interview finalists for the position during the month of May and is expected to  announce a new superintendent in June to replace .