WELLS &045; After the recent resignation of United South Central school district superintendent Frank Lorentz, the district school board is begining the process of trying to find a replacement.

&uot;As of now we are exploring our options for filling the position,&uot; board chairman Pat Staloch said at the beginning of a special meeting the board held Wednesday night regarding the position.

They decided that until an interim superintendent is found, High School Principal Greg Spath, Middle School Principal Dale Brandsoy, Elementary School Principal Rick Herman and Athletic Director Brent Schimek will share the duties of superintendent.

Most of the meeting was led by Bob Lowe, the Management Services Associate Director at the Minnesota School Boards Association.

Lowe gave the board some tips and guidelines for finding an interim superintendent and a new superintendent.

The board looked at six interested candidates’ resumes and made some preliminary decisions about whom to call. Many retired superintendents and some between jobs have shown interest in the interim position at USC.

Lowe said the board needed to examine many things in their search for an interim superintendent, as the candidate will have to take over the reins of a district which has gone through tough times.

&uot;Start asking yourself, ‘What are our needs?’&uot; Lowe said.

Lowe said focusing on the interim position now will help to alleviate some of the stress when the board looks for a full-time candidate.

&uot;The interim superintendent should help you in the next step in this process,&uot; he said.

Lowe said the most important factors for finding a full-time candidate are finding a candidate who fits the needs of the district rather than settling for someone who might not, as well as getting community involvement and communication on the board’s decision.

Interviews for the interim position will start next Wednesday. Lowe expects an interim position could be filled in as little as two weeks.