LEXINGTON, Ky. — The search for Fayette County Public Schools' (FCPS) next superintendent has begun, following the death of Superintendent Manny Caulk in December.

On Monday, Fayette County Board of Education members met for the first time to discuss the process of selecting Caulk's replacement. 

“Your board of education team is committed to conducting this search in a way that builds upon and strengthens employee, student, family, and community engagement in order to attract a leader who will help us achieve our mission of ensuring all students achieve at high levels and graduate prepared to excel in a global society,” said Fayette County Board of Education Chair Tyler Murphy.

During the work session, members reviewed the superintendent selection process outlined in state law and discussed a draft timeline for the search. The board hopes to have a new superintendent by July 1, 2021.

Kentucky school boards must seat a Superintendent Screening Committee within 30 days of determining a vacancy, according to state law. Law also requires the committee to include two certified employees elected by their peers, one classified employee elected by their peers, one principal elected by their peers, one parent/guardian elected by PTA presidents from each school, and one board of education member appointed by the board chair.

Nominations are now open for people interested in serving on the committee and will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Voting will last from Jan. 18-22, 2021.

Family members may nominate themselves or someone else here, while FCPS employees can nominate themselves or another staff member here.

Appointed by Murphy, Tom Jones will serve as the board member representative on the screening committee. Jones, who holds over 43 years of education experience, served as principal of Bryan Station Middle School for 16 years and spent 16 years with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/AdvancED/Cognia, a national non-profit committed to accrediting, evaluating, and supporting school and district improvement.

The board will also begin advertising for superintendent search firms or executive recruiters for the selection process.

“We recognize that the five school board members cannot adequately capture the breadth and depth of diversity represented by our students, employees, families, and community,” Murphy said. “But we will be intentional and creative in finding ways to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders will be heard and valued.”

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.