Groton - The school board on Monday edged closer to solidifying the makeup of a committee to find the district's next superintendent.

The board tentatively whittled down the number of committee members to 18 people. All nine school board members, or those who wish to be a part of the process, would be joined by three teachers, two administrators, two parents, one central office representative and one person from the military.

School board Chairwoman Kirsten Hoyt said she had started recruiting members from the Town Council and Representative Town Meeting.

But board members agreed having too many members could get unwieldy and also jeopardize the confidentiality of superintendents from other districts who were seeking the job. Interviews are typically conducted behind closed doors.

The search for superintendent has come under close scrutiny because of the problems associated with former Superintendent Paul Kadri, who was fired last month in the wake of allegations he harassed and mistreated employees.

There is additionally a time concern with interim Superintendent John Ramos' contract expiring in June and the school going through redistricting.

"I don't want to rush the process, but I want to get the process moving," said school board member Beverly Washington.

While the board works on forming a search committee, they are also working to solicit proposals from search firms to find qualified candidates.

Ramos has already received responses from five firms and the school board agreed Monday to send out more. The selection of a search firm is expected to take several weeks since the school board intends to meet and interview firm representatives.

Hoyt said she hoped to get back some proposals before the board meets next week. Whether or not the search will be nationwide or local has yet to be determined.

g.smith@theday.com