Imagining the Dream Supe

As the Springs School District searches for a new superintendent, consultants conducting the search have asked residents of all ages to help create a profile for the administrator who will take over from John J. Finello.

A community forum tonight from 6:30 to 7:30 in the school library, led by District Wise Search Consultants, will be the first step in that process. Those unable to make the forum can offer their suggestions and opinions via email to [email protected] through Feb. 1. Suggestions are to be “included anonymously” in a report that District Wise will prepare for the school board.

The search firm, which is based in Woodbury, has helped find top administrators for districts all over Long Island. The district will pay the company $20,000 for its assistance in the search process.

Mr. Finello was to step down at the end of last month, but in November the school board amended his contract, allowing him to stay in his position on a per diem basis while the search for his replacement is underway. He is to receive $975 per day, with his total compensation not to exceed $200,000, the amount allotted for the superintendent’s salary in the 2016-17 budget. The amended contract does not include payment for leave days or additional compensation aside from reimbursements for professional expenses.

Mr. Finello started with the district as a part-time superintendent at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. His position became full time in June 2015.

The Springs School District’s interim business administrator, Carl Fraser, was also scheduled to step down at the end of last month — a particular concern with the 2017-18 budget season about to begin — however, at the school board’s Dec. 19 meeting, Mr. Fraser’s contract was extended through the end of March.