The search for Suffolk Public School’s next superintendent is progressing to the next step.

The application deadline was Aug. 16 and closed with 17 applicants for the position, according to Bethanne Bradshaw, spokesperson for the school system.

School Board members will discuss the applications in a closed session during the School Board’s Aug. 19 meeting.

“Board members will review the applications according to their outlined priorities and perhaps make a list of applicants they’d like to interview and decide on a schedule,” Bradshaw said.

The School Board’s priorties include creativity, vision, and strategic planning skills; creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect; a strong record of success in instruction and curriculum; a demonstrated knowledge of school finance, budgeting and personnel management; and superior communication skills.

This discussion of applicants is not open to the public because it involves confidential, personnel matters, Bradshaw said. The School Board’s regular public meeting begins at 7 p.m. in King’s Fork High School’s Black Box Theatre.

An online input form on the school system’s website had collected 64 comments regarding the superintendent selection process by Aug. 11.