The quest for a New Haven Public Schools superintendent continues, as 66 candidates have applied for the highest position in Elm City education, The New Haven Independent reported.

The search began after Reginald Mayo announced his retirement after 21 years on the job. New Haven’s school board has contracted private firm PROACT Search to lead the search process. By July 8, the school board plans to pick 12 of the 66 candidates before shrinking the crowd to three finalists.

The entire process is expected to be wrapped up by July 22, according to the school board president Carols Torre. Assistant Superintendent Garth Harries, who is considered a strong internal candidate for the job, is one of the 66 people who applied for the position.

MONICA DISARE