The Board of Education (BOE) is working with the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) in its search for a new superintendent of schools to replace Dr. Portia Bonner, whose contract expired at the end of June.

BOE Chairman John Finkle said that CABE was hired to do all the vetting of applicants, ensuring that perspective candidates have the necessary qualifications for the position.

The organization held a superintendent search focus group at East Haven High School on Sept. 28. Mary Broderick of CABE Search Services said its representatives were there to listen to members of the community to determine the strengths and challenges of East Haven Schools, as well as qualities and characteristics that residents would like to see in a superintendent.

Parents, community members, students, central office administrators, building administrators, support and certified staff, elected officials, and local Chamber of Commerce, Police and Fire Department representatives all had their say. In addition, more than 70 anonymous surveys were submitted.

Finkle said CABE will rate candidates and provide notes on their expertise. The BOE and CABE hope to meet in the second week of October, Finkle said, giving BOE members the opportunity to do their own research on candidates and formulate questions for CABE.

Broderick said that, with all the information gathered, CABE will develope a leadership profile for each applicant, with the BOE responsible for selecting a shortlist of applicants to interview.

According to its website (www.cabe.org), CABE serves local and regional boards of education in Connecticut and is dedicated to improving the quality of education throughout the state and the nation.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Erica Forti has been acting superintendent since late June.