BLOOMINGDALE — The search for a new superintendent is underway at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and at least two contenders have thrown their hats into the ring.

The JVS school board met for its regular session on March 18, where President Steve Bezak III said several applications have been received to succeed Todd Phillipson, who plans to leave his decade-long role this summer. Members of the board’s personnel committee have been working with Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Chuck Kokiko to find a replacement and Bezak said the application period was ending on Friday.

“We’ve had two applicants and a third person phoned for an application,” Bezak said. “Friday was the cut-off date. We’re going to have a personnel committee meeting on Tuesday and look at all of the interview questions we want to ask, then set a time for the interviews.”

Board member Stephen Cowser asked if a superintendent’s license was required and if questions included knowledge of career-technical education. Bezak responded that the official could hold a temporary license under state law but has two years to obtain a permanent one, plus questions did incorporate career-tech knowledge.

“We will set up a time for interviews and then have to narrow down the number of questions,” he added.

Board member Lee Gillison asked how many kids who graduated JVS continued in their career path. Bezak did not have a definite number and officials believed some information was being kept.

Bezak later said the personnel committee would meet with Kokiko to help conclude the superintendent’s search.

“Kokiko is collecting the applications for us and we’re looking to do the first round of interviews on April 1,” he said.

The second round of interviews is being eyed for April 8 and the new superintendent could be named at the next regular board session on April 15. If all goes according to plan, the successor would begin on Aug. 1.

Among other matters, the board:

• Heard from Supervisor-Principal Andy Long, who said an open house was set for April 2 and 259 juniors were enrolled for next year;

• Heard the monthly report from food service Director Brian Saner that entailed an increase in meals being sold since January and food-related events to increase engagement;

• Approved the addition of Mariah Highfield, Danielle Irvin and Tammi Middleton to the 2024-25 substitute teacher list;

• Renewed a one-year service agreement with Johnson Controls;

• Approved the notice of privacy practices from the Jefferson Health Plan, effective April 1;

• Approved the district’s continuance in open enrollment program for the 2025-26 school year;

• Approved the purchase of Adobe Classroom licenses for multimedia and design students from Certiport;

• Announced Easter recess on April 16-21;

• Scheduled the next board meeting for 5 p.m. April 15 at the JVS board room.