Interviews for a new Kingfisher Public Schools superintendent will begin next week.

The Kingfisher Board of Education on Monday met for nearly two hours in executive session to review 17 applications for the position that was opened up when Jason Sternberger accepted the same role at Hennessey earlier this month.

That move was finalized prior to executive session when Sternberger’s resignation was one of four accepted by the board.

Board President Mike Copeland said the first formal meeting to consider Sternberger’s replacement was productive.

“We had some very good applicants and I’m confident we’ll be able to find our next superintendent from that group,” Copeland said.

He added that preliminary interviews will begin during a special meeting on Monday.

Copeland earlier said a new superintendent won’t be selected until after the next school board election.

That election is April 6 as Copeland is running for re-election. Terry Payne is also running for the board seat.