Superintendent E. Wayne Gent talks with students at The Conservatory School at North Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County School Board members today will start planning their search for a new superintendent, but the current one may be staying put longer than expected.
Superintendent Wayne Gent had said at first that he would not seek to renew his contract when it expires May 31.
But now Gent is asking board members to let him stay in office until July 3, an extension of slightly more than a month.
We’re told Gent has also privately indicated to school board members that he would be willing to stay in office even longer if needed.
That could be a help to school board members if they encounter any delays in hiring a new superintendent.
It’s hoped that Gent’s replacement could be in place within six months, but that timeline is far from certain.
Board members are scheduled to vote today on whether to extend Gent’s contract to July 3.
Board members will also discuss whether to hire a national search firm or contract with the Florida School Boards Association, which conducted the last search in 2011.
The issue of what qualifications and what salary range to attach to the position will also likely be debated.
The school board meets today at 2 p.m. You can peruse the meeting agenda here.
