WINDSOR – As a Bertie County citizen, what characteristics would you like to see in the superintendent of the local public school system?

That’s what the North Carolina School Board Association (NCSBA) wants to know.

John F. Smith Sr., Bertie’s current superintendent, will retire effective June 30. Smith, who took the job in 1999, has led the system to new heights during his six years of service.

Upon receiving the news of Smith’s retirement late last year, the Bertie Board of Education opted to allow the NCSBA to conduct the search for the school system’s new leader. The NCSBA, who likewise is conducting a superintendent search for Northampton County, will narrow the list of potential candidates for the Bertie Board to consider.

In order to narrow that list, NCSBA officials are seeking input from Bertie citizens to gauge what the public would like to see in a new superintendent. The Association has developed a survey that contains questions relating to the public’s desires in a superintendent. Those questions are in regards to ability, experience and expectations. The survey also includes an area for respondents to post comments.

The survey is available by visiting the Bertie Schools website at www.bertieschools.com and following the link to the survey’s web address.

For additional information, contact Bertie County Public Schools at 794-3173.