The Board of Education has taken the next step in its search for a new superintendent of schools. The nine members are now reviewing 15 said completed applications, forwarded to them by C.E.S. Executive Search Services, the consulting firm hired by the board to help it with its superintendent search.

Board of Education Chair Debra Frey said the members, after reviewing the applications, "will short-list the most highly qualified candidates. Once completed, these candidates will be invited to an initial interview with the board in early January." After those initial interviews are completed, the board expects to conduct a second, more in-depth interview with selected finalists.

"Concurrent with application review, the board is designing interview questions to learn about each applicant's experience, leadership style, and vision, as well as the qualities that were deemed important by the community," Frey said.

The board received community input from several focus groups conducted by C.E.S. with students, staff, teachers, parents, town officials, and others. The board also made an online survey available. The data was compiled in a written report entitled "Madison Public Schools Community Assessment Report" and submitted to the board by C.E.S. in October. Frey said the report can be viewed on the Madison Public Schools website, www.madison.k12.ct.us.

The board will replace David Klein, the former superintendent of schools, who resigned Oct. 1 to accept a position leading Norwich Free Academy. Assistant Superintendent Anita Rutland is serving as interim superintendent.

-Marianne Sullivan