Alvin ISD is continuing to search for a new superintendent and could announce a lone finalist by April, consultants said.

Superintendent search consultants Mike Moses and David Thompson with Thompson and Horton LLP held a press conference Feb. 12 prior to sharing a report on community members' preferences for the new leader with the Board of Trustees. Consultants met with parents, students and residents in the district in a series of focus groups, Thompson said.

The district is expecting around 30-40 applicants, Moses said. Once narrowed down, the candidates will undergo a round of interviews to be wrapped up in April if all goes well, Moses said. The finalist will be announced in mid-April, and he or she will likely start in the new position in early June.

"Most people that have been board members... say that the most important decision they ever make as a school board member is the hiring of a superintendent," Moses said.

One of the most important characteristics of a new superintendent to the community will likely be experience with a fast-growth district, Thompson said.

"The growth that the district is experiencing... I think people would say is both a strength and it's also a challenge. We heard pretty broadly that candidates who have experience and know how to deal with growth, that's obviously something that will be a plus," Thompson said.

Other priorities will likely include a person with experience in school finance and accountability, Moses said.

"Those are two pretty fundamental areas that if you are going to seek a leadership role in this district, whether it be in Alvin or any other school district, those are areas with which you need to have a lot of familiarity," Moses said.