With Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Brucia retiring at the end of June, the Massapequa Board of Education is facing the formidable task of replacing the man who has been an employee of the district for 14 years and the superintendent for the last 11 years.

In an effort to find a suitable replacement for Brucia the Massapequa School Board passed a resolution in December to contract the Suffolk County Organization for the Promotion of Education (SCOPE) to conduct an intensive superintendent search. The consulting team is comprised of three members, Dr. Leonard Adler, Dr. David Nydick, and Dr. James Tolle, who are all former superintendents.

According to School Board President Christine Nottonson, ads have been placed in the New York Times and in other publications that directly reach out to school administrators. The district has also sent information to approximately 30 colleges and universities where candidates keep their names on file. The application deadline for candidates is March 1. SCOPE will screen applicants throughout March and recommend several finalists for the board's consideration.

Nottonson said, "We are pleased with the services and help that the SCOPE team will be providing. The board's intention is to select a new superintendent for appointment at the April 1999 board meeting. This will provide a transition period for the new person with Dr. Brucia still in the district."

The board wants the Massapequa community to be actively involved in the selection process. On March 3 the consulting team will spend the entire day in Massapequa. According to Brucia the team will spend the day meeting with various groups of school district employees getting their input on what characteristics or traits they would like to see in a new superintendent. On the evening of March 3, all Massapequa residents are invited to meet with the consulting team and give them their input on what traits and characteristics they believe the new superintendent should possess. The consultants will also answer any questions that the public may have. This meeting will begin at 8:15 p.m. in the Massapequa High School Little Theater. Brucia said that if there are more than 100 people in attendance the meeting will be moved across the hall to the auditorium. Nottonson stated, "We know that it is critical to reach out, to get input, to know your priorities and understand the missions that are in Massapequa so as we move forward we will be doing that."

The new superintendent, following an April selection and appointment is expected to take over the district reins on July 1, 1999.