BUCYRUS — The search for a new superintendent for Bucyrus City Schools is underway and includes input from residents and parents of the district.

Chris Mohr and Carol Oxley of K-12 Business Consulting met with parents and teachers Thursday to determine the qualities and characteristics people want to have in a new superintendent for the district.

The district’s current superintendent, Kevin Kimmel, is leaving to take over the position of superintendent at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center.

“This is the prime time to be searching for a new superintendent as people begin to plan for next school year,” Mohr said. “We want to have the process completed by the end of April.”

Kim Kent, a Bucyrus City Schools parent, said she wants a superintendent that is a good communicator and leader in the community.

“We are sad to see Kevin Kimmel leave and want someone like him,” Kent said.

Kent said as an alumnus and mother of two students and one graduate of the district, she is passionate about the school’s future. She said the district once had a superintendent who was not good at his job before Kimmel took over the position.

“We don’t want that to happen again,” Kent said. “Sometimes people interview well but do not do a good job once in the position.”

Mohr said it is part of the job of his firm to ensure the candidates are vetted properly.

“We don’t just recruit candidates, we talk with teachers, administrative assistants and others who have worked with them,” Mohr said.

Oxley said a questionnaire was sent out to residents and staff of the district and is available to be filled out on the district’s website.

“We want to hear from people as to what they want to see in a new superintendent, so we can recruit the right people for the district,” Oxley said.

Mohr said six to eight candidates will be recruited for initial interviews by the board of education and three or four of those will be brought back for additional interviews.

The forms that may be completed by staff and parents of the district are due on Friday, March 15, and may be emailed to ensure they arrive on time.

For more information, visit the district’s website.