PENDLETON — The search is on for the new Anderson School District 4 Superintendent, and the community is invited to be a part of the process.

School board Chairman Tom Dobbins said Friday that the board is interested in hearing from local residents about the desired qualifications for the new superintendent.

“This is an extremely important decision for our community, so we want to allow a variety of methods for interested persons to provide us with their input,” Dobbins said.

Dobbins said the methods include a combination of three September activities, consisting of an online survey, meetings with representative groups and open forums available for any employee or community member.

Dobbins said the online survey would allow persons to select traits and skills they believe to be the most important for a superintendent to be successful in the district. Participants will also be able to assess the level of importance for 16 areas of possible experience.

“Results from the survey will allow the school board to establish a profile of what the community wants in the next superintendent,” he said, adding that those without computers in their homes can use computers at the Anderson County Library or obtain a written copy from any of the district’s schools or district office.

The meetings will take place Sept. 23 with representative groups providing input.

An employee open forum will be held from 4 p.m.-5 p.m., while the open forum for community members will take place from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Both will take place in the Pendleton High School auditorium.

Dobbins said the school board is being assisted in the search process through a former superintendent and the law firm of Childs and Halligan. Team members will meet directly with groups of employees, business and community leaders, high school students and parents to gather input.

The search for a new superintendent was initiated by the retirement of Gary Burgess, who had served in that capacity since 2003, at the end of July. Maurice Lopez, who has worked in the district’s financial office for several years, has assumed the duties of Interim Superintendent.

Lopez will remain in that capacity through June 30, 2009, with Jo Ann Avery serving as deputy superintendent.

Dobbins said he hopes that a large majority of community members will take part in the process.

“We truly want to hear from members of the community and give them an opportunity to participate in this very important process,” Dobbins said.

Participants in the survey will be posted on the district’s Web site through Oct. 1. The site is www.anderson4.k12.sc.us.