THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: Tuesday, May 2, 1995 TAG: 9505020264 SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL SOURCE: BY ELIZABETH THIEL, STAFF WRITER LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Virginia Beach schools Superintendent Sidney L. Faucette went to Georgia on Monday to interview for a job as top administrator of one of that state's largest school districts.
Faucette said a week ago that he had no interest in the superintendent's position in Gwinnett County, a fast-growing suburb of Atlanta, and had not decided whether to make the trip. He could not be reached for comment before he left Sunday.
Berney B. Kirkland, director of community relations for the Gwinnett County schools, said Faucette began the daylong interview process Monday at a high school, where he had breakfast with a group of teachers and principals. From there, he toured schools and ate lunch with community leaders.
In the afternoon, Kirkland said, Faucette met with a real estate agent to discuss the region and its housing possibilities. A reception was scheduled for 5 p.m., and the School Board was to begin interviewing Faucette at 5:30.
Faucette, who has led the Virginia Beach schools for nearly four years, is one of four finalists for the Gwinnett County job. The board will screen the other candidates this week and next.
After that, the board will choose its top contenders and visit the school districts where they work. Kirkland said board members hope to make a decision soon so they can have a superintendent in place by midsummer.
Faucette has said he did not seek the position. He said he allowed a consultant friend to include his name on a long list of potential candidates for the Gwinnett board's review. He said he was surprised to learn he was among the finalists and has said he has no interest in leaving Virginia Beach.
The Gwinnett board was intrigued by Faucette's credentials as head of Virginia's second-largest school district. Virginia Beach is experiencing many of the same challenges facing the Gwinnett district, including school crowding.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOLS by CNB