The search will soon be under way for the next superintendent of Allen Parish schools.

The School Board approved the hiring timeline Monday for the district’s next school superintendent, after outgoing Superintendent Kent Reed announced last month that he would be retiring in July.

Board President Kevin Tyler said the board wants someone who will be engaged in the pursuit of education for all children and work well with the school district whether they be someone local or from outside of the district.

“We are just looking to hire the best person for the position,” Tyler told the American Press after the meeting. “We want someone who will keep us in the right direction.”

“We feel like we have had a lot of positive success through the leadership and what Mr. Reed has brought to the table,” he continued. “We are looking for someone that can bring similar things through difficult times and with the willingness to work with the board, the community, our administrators and the stakeholders of the community.”

The board approved a search timeline that calls for advertisements in surrounding newspapers March 16-30. The application deadline will be April 20, with the first rounds of interviews with school board members scheduled for May 1, according to Tyler. A second round of interviews will be held May 4, if necessary, he said.

School board members hope to select a new superintendent at its May 8 meeting. Appointing a new superintendent in May would allow that person to work alongside the outgoing superintendent before he retires, Tyler said.

Reed has 37 years in education. He has served as a supervisor in various positions for 11 years, the last four as superintendent. He also served as a high school assistant principal for eight years and a high school principal for 10 years, He was also a high school English teacher, football, basketball and track coach.