Meet the finalists for the Polk County Public Schools Superintendent search this week. PCPS has been hosting a “Super Search” over the past several months to fill the shoes of the Superintendent in one of the nation’s largest districts.

This week, the five finalists will be making their way to different cities within Polk County to partake in public Q&As, interviews, school tours, and will have the opportunity to answer questions from local residents.

Finalists include:

Dr. Harold R. Border | Dr. Border is the current Chief of High Schools for Orange County Public Schools + was the former Area Superintendent for the Southwest Learning Community for Orange County Public Schools.
Dr. James P. McIntyre, Jr. | The current Assistant Professor of Practice & Director for the Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) at the University of Tennessee. Dr. McIntyre also served as the Superintendent of Knoxville County Schools for 8-years.
Dr. T. Nakia Towns | Dr. Towns works for the Hamilton County Department of Education as the Deputy Superintendent in Chattanooga, TN. Before working in her current position, Dr. Towns was the Assistant Commissioner in the Data and Research Division.
Michael J. Ramirez | Michael currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Denver Public Schools + acted as the former Cadre Director for the Office of School Performance and Accountability for Broward County Public Schools.
Frederick R. Heid | Frederick currently serves as the Superintendent for the Community Unit School District in Algonquin, IL. Previously, he served in Jacksonville, FL as the Chief Academic Officer for Duval County Schools.

All 5 finalists will make public appearances in Lakeland + Haines City this week according to the following schedule:

Wed., Apr. 21:

Finalist Interviews 8:30 a.m. — Dr. Harold R. Border, 10:45 a.m. — Dr. James P. McIntyre, Jr., 1:45 p.m. — Michael J. Ramirez | Jim Miles Professional Development Center, 4270 Wallace Rd.
Community Meet & Greet | 6:30 p.m. | Lake Eva Center, 799 Johns Ave.

Thurs., Apr. 22 (The following events will take place at 4270 Wallace Rd.):

Finalist Interviews | 9 a.m. — Frederick R. Heid | 11:30 a.m. — Dr. T. Nakia Towns
Employee Meet & Greet | 5:00 p.m.
Community Meet & Greet | 6:45 p.m.

Following the week of events, the board will vote on their pick for the Superintendent with the official results chosen on Apr. 27.