While the search for potential superintendent candidates has yet to formally begin, the Lawrence school board is preparing to receive input from community organizations, other educators and the public.

Although the discussion was on Monday night’s meeting agenda, board President Craig Grant decided to delay the talks until the next meeting Dec. 8.

The board wants to compile a profile of what qualifications are important to Lawrence community leaders and residents.

They are trying to coordinate meetings with groups including the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the United Way and other social service agencies, local elected officials and leaders at Kansas University and Haskell Indian Nations University.

“We’re trying to do these things with different times with different people so we believe we can get as much input as we can into what this profile is,” Grant said.

This also includes two public forums that anyone can attend. The meetings will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.

“The process of this input is really important,” said board member Rich Minder. “We’re trying to speak as one community here. This is a chance for all of us to have some input.”

The forums will allow residents to tell consultants of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates what they want in a potential superintendent. The firm was selected at the Oct. 27 board meeting.

The district will also let residents share their opinions through a profile sheet that will be posted soon on its Web site.