PUBLIC'S INPUT SOUGHT IN SUPERINTENDENT HIRE.

Byline: Cecilia Chan Staff Writer

THOUSAND OAKS - Teachers and parents can have a say in selecting a new superintendent for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, which oversees 29 campuses and some 20,600 students.

Meetings are scheduled 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the school district board room to solicit comments from residents on what qualities they want in the next school chief.

``We hope to have a new superintendent by May 1,'' board president Patricia Phelps said.

The community's input will be used by Leadership Associates of Mission Viejo, which is being paid $29,500 to help recruit candidates for the post.

The superintendent will succeed Jerry Gross, who resigned in August after eight years with the district to take the job as head of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District in Orange County.

Neil Schmidt, who retired as superintendent last June from Santa Monica- Malibu school district, is working as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is hired.

To schedule an appointment during the Nov. 13 meeting, call Karen Ise at [phone] Ext. 202.

Residents unable to attend the session can submit comments or ideas to Leadership Associates, PMB-455, 23052-H Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo 92692; or via fax at [phone].