OROVILLE – The search process for applicants for a new superintendent for Oroville School District concluded with five finalists, who will be whittled down to three, according to Steve McKenna, a search consultant working for the district.

“Reference checks are being completed and School Directors are busy reviewing all applications,” said McKenna, adding, “On Monday, Feb. 8, the School Directors will meet in executive session to narrow the field of candidates to be interviewed to three. Once the invited candidates have accepted the interview invitation, their names will be made public.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, the three selected candidates will be invited for a full day of interviews with staff, business and ministerial leaders, students, and community members, according to McKenna, who is with the North Central Educational Service District.

The consultant laid out what he described as a snapshot of the day Tuesday:

• Morning Interviews: students and staff

• Noon Luncheon: Business and Ministerial Leaders

• Afternoon: Staff

• Community Forum: at the high school, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Throughout the day, community members will be asked to complete a feedback response sheet on each of the interviewed candidates. This feedback will assist the Board of Directors narrow the candidates to two finalists who will then be invited to participate in individual interviews with the Board of Directors the following day,” said McKenna, who added that the community’s participation and feedback in the interview process on Tuesday, Feb. 16 is vitally important and greatly appreciated.

The new superintendent is being sought to take the place of Dr. Ernie Bartelson, who is retiring at the end of this school year.