PANAMA — As the search for an official new superintendent for Panama Central School continues, the Board of Education has sent out another letter at the end of April with an update as to where things stand.

At the end of March Bert Lictus returned to the school as interim superintendent, and District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer for Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, David O’Rourke was hired as superintendent search consultant.

In a letter sent to the Panama community on April 22, the board of education said they have decided to pursue a confidential search that invites applicants to apply, and will not be publishing a brochure.

“Instead, interested candidates may contact Dr O’Rourke to discuss the position at the contact number below,” the letter reads. “His office is accepting applications through May 13.”

A letter to prospective applicants has been posted on both Panama Central School’s and BOCES’s websites, and the letter continues by saying O’Rourke has reached out to chairs of different stakeholder groups such as administration, faculty, support staff, students and parents to help with interviews of finalist candidates. Interviews will be conducted confidentially and representatives of the school community will be required to attend pre-interview training on May 21, with the stakeholder interview date for finalists on the evening of June 16.

“The board is conducting preliminary interviews on May 27 and 29,” the letter says. “Final interviews with the board are taking place on the evenings of June 17 and 18. We anticipate having a new Superintendent of Schools starting in August of 2025.”

Any interested candidates are asked to email O’Rourke at dorourke@e2ccb.org or call (716)549-4454Ö4029.