Melissa Bailey Photo
Garth Harries has 65 contenders in his quest to lead New Haven’s public schools.
Harries (pictured), the system’s assistant superintendent, was one of 66 people who sent in applications by a June 25 deadline to be considered for New Haven’s open school superintendent job. Reggie Mayo, who’s been superintendent for 21 years, plans to retire as soon as the school board finds a replacement. The job was posted on May 31.
PROACT Search, the private firm New Haven’s school board hired to conduct a search for the superintendent’s job, collected the applications. The firm plans to work with the school board to narrow the field down to eight to 12 candidates by July 8. Then board members plan to interview those candidates by Skype or in person to narrow the field to three.
The school board plans to hold a special public hearing for on Saturday, July 20, where the public will get to ask questions of three finalists, according to board President Carlos Torre. The time and place are yet to be determined.
The school board plans to appoint the next superintendent on July 22. The person would start right away if they are able to; if not, they’d start as soon as possible, Torre said.