The Rome Board of Education is asking for the community’s input in finding a replacement for Superintendent Gayland Cooper, who plans to resign in December.

Available on the board’s website is a community survey developed by the Georgia School Boards Association. The survey, which includes nine questions, should only take about five minutes to complete. Cooper said the survey will help the board find a new superintendent before he leaves.

“It’s an optional activity for the school board to make available to the community,” Cooper said, adding that while the board alone is charged with finding someone to fill the position, the community can help them find an outstanding instructional leader.

“The community survey will provide (the board) with the qualities from community feels are important in a new superintendent,” Cooper said.

Cooper said the survey should be up until Oct. 19 while applications are still being received. The board will use the information as they sift through the applications and begin the interviewing process.

The questions posted in the survey ask questions such as “Is it important that your next superintendent have a terminal degree such as a Ph.D, Ed.D., etc?” There are also questions pertaining to the level of experience the community believes the new superintendent should have as well as their specific background, such as having worked in administration, school law, facilities and the like.

Cooper said he hopes the community will take the time to weigh in and assist in the search.

“We ask the constituents what they value in a leader to make sure our core values are focused and that every community member has an input in the process,” Cooper said.