The Polk County School Board met Friday morning with Wayne Blanton of the Florida School Board Association, who is conducting the search for Polk’s next superintendent. Within a few hours they nailed down crucial details to get the search under way. They decided on a salary range of $210,000 to $260,000; a requirement of 10 years administrative experience (with five of those in senior management), a minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent — preferably a doctorate, and experience in districts of 25,000 students or larger. The search is under way due to the retirement of Sherrie Nickel in November 2012 due to family health issues. Former Polk superintendant John Stewart is serving as interim superintendent.

Blanton told the board he hoped to place the ad in Education Week Magazine by Feb. 1, running it for six consecutive issues. Blanton said that publication is by far the most effective medium for drawing applicants.