The Jim Thorpe Area School District board of directors is seeking input from district residents as they search for a new superintendent.

The district has posted a link to a survey on its website, where participants can say what they want to see in the new top administrator.

Superintendent Brian Gasper’s contract expires June 30.

School board members voted against extending Gasper’s contract last April.

They are currently working with Pennsylvania School Boards Association to conduct a search for a new superintendent.

The survey asks residents to identify the qualifications they feel are the most important for a new superintendent of schools. They give about 15 examples including school finance, public relations, curriculum/instruction, special education and staff development. Survey participants can rank them based on importance.

The survey also asks participants to identify the areas of focus that they think are important. Areas of focus include class size, school district finances, new buildings, and increasing technology in the classroom.

Participants are asked to identify themselves as a community member, parent, staff member, student, or administrator.

Gasper was hired in March 2014 and his contract expires June 30, 2019. The board is seeking a candidate with at least five years experience.

In November, the board contracted with Pennsylvania School Boards Association to conduct a search for a new superintendent.

Under the agreement, the district will pay PSBA two payments totaling $5,000 to plan and conduct a search for a new superintendent.

The search will contain five phases — planning, advertising, screening, interviews and appointment support.

The cost may exceed $5,000 to cover travel costs for finalists, or if the district wishes to advertise in regional or national publications.

In April 2018, the board rejected a motion to reappoint Gasper for 3-5 years.