SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake community members spoke about their ideal superintendent at a community meeting.

The consulting firm for the Soap Lake School District superintendent search, Spokane-based Education Consul-tants, held a meeting to gather input Monday night. Board members and certified school staff were told not to attend.

“We wanted the community to have compete freedom to say what they would like to say,” said board member Curtis Dotson. “Currently our consulting firm is in the process of meeting with individuals to get ideas on what they would like in a superintendent.”

The firm met privately with school board members, staff and the public this month. Questions asked regarded personal and professional characteristics desired in a superintendent as well as expected experience.

“We are fast-tracking this search,” Dotson said. “It is tough to get people together during holidays, but we will attempt to have all groups come together for the final decision.”

Groups include the board, the public and teachers.

Interim superintendent Denise Mehal said the firm is putting together a rough draft of suggestions made by all groups next week.

“What I do know about the community meeting is that the highest characteristic mentioned was good communication skills,” Mehal said. “The community said they wanted a superintendent that kept in constant communication with the public.”

Dotson said he heard there was a great turn-out at the meeting.

“That is a good thing, I am guessing,” Dotson said.

The board members said they value community input for all decisions.

“The school is a big part of the community because we are in a small community,” Dotson said. “In the case of Soap Lake, a home game is the main attraction in town.”

Dotson pointed out the community also gives their tax dollars to support the school.

“We go to the community to ask for approval on levies,” Dotson said. “We’re also asking them to help with funding, so it’s important for them to have input.”

The board hopes to begin interviews for a new full-time superintendent by March 2010.