Because it's in the education business, the Warwick Board of School Directors assumes many crucial responsibilities and makes a host of impactful decisions concerning the community. But few things on the school board's agenda are as important as hiring a superintendent.

The Warwick Board of School Directors' search for the district's next superintendent is well engaged and nearing a conclusion. From all reports, the eight-month process of hiring the school district's new leader and most influential policymaker has been both meticulous and rewarding.

"Hiring a superintendent is one of the most critical functions of the board," said Emily Zimmerman, who's been the Warwick school board's president for two years. "The superintendent sets the pace, the tone and the agenda for the entire educational experience of our student body."

The Warwick school board has narrowed its superintendent search to three candidates in an effort to replace April Hershey, who left the position on June 30, 2024. Those three candidates are expected to be interviewed by the school board - as well as other district officials - for a third time over the next few weeks.

After publicly posting the position, the Warwick School District received more than 30 applications for the position from across the country. From those applicants, 12 received initial interviews, and then five were recalled for a second round of interviews.

"We are pleased with the quality of candidates we've interviewed," said Zimmerman. "We're excited with the direction things are going. Both in number and caliber, these candidates have been excellent. We saw that in the interview process and digging into backgrounds. The school board remains committed to the integrity of the superintendent search. We remain vigilant in our attempt to identify the most qualified candidate and the right fit for the Warwick School District."

The Warwick School District could identify the successful candidate by as early as late February or early March. But the school board would like to have its next superintendent in place no later than Tuesday, July 1.

"A superintendent is the chief education officer of the school district," said Zimmerman. "He or she oversees the operations and executes the district's strategic plans. He or she also keeps the board well informed and plays a positive role in developing staff."

"People probably have a general understanding of the role that superintendents play," added Zimmerman. "But there are a lot of responsibilities, roles and duties that are internal."

At the discretion of the school board, the successful superintendent candidate will be offered a three- to five-year contract by the Warwick School District.

"We are definitely looking for an educational and organizational leader to execute the mission and vision of Warwick," said Zimmerman.

Hershey served as superintendent for 15 years.

"Dr. Hershey faithfully served the Warwick School District," said Zimmerman. "I'd say she was hard-working and knowledgeable. She was a very effective communicator. I had a strong working relationship with Dr. Hershey and I'm grateful for that time."

Since Hershey's departure, assistant superintendent Steve Szobocsan has served as the school district's acting superintendent.

"He's done an amazing job of stepping into a very difficult position," said Zimmerman. "The board has had an opportunity to work with Dr. Szobocsan, and we've seen incredible leadership from him. He's done a great job of keeping the district's mission intact and moving forward."

For additional information, go to http://www.warwicksd.org.