PORT NECHES — A temporary leader for Port Neches-Groves Independent School District could be found as soon as Thursday.

Trustees will hold a called meeting at noon Thursday at the administration building, 620 Ave. C, where they will interview two candidates for the position of interim superintendent.

Two candidates are set to take part in the interview process, board president Darren McCutcheon said.

“Both have past superintendent experience. Both have experience with Chapter 41/recapture and both have experience with either the passing of a bond or implementing a bond once it is passed by voters,” McCutcheon said.

In addition, both candidates are thought to be able to help the district transition to a full-time superintendent. The transition, he said, is important and definitely paramount.

Port Neches-Groves High School’s graduation ceremonies are set for Thursday night and McCutcheon believes the board can come to a decision by Thursday afternoon.

Timing is important in finding an interim. The district’s first budget workshop is set for June 20. The district is also looking to check on anticipated values at Total Petrochemicals who has announced a multi-billion expansion project. Timing to call for a bond hinge on the values.

The interim, when hired, will likely lead the district until early next year and be part of the budgetary process as well as possibly calling for a bond to build new elementary schools.

Based on rules set by the board on advice from their attorney, the interim cannot apply for the position of superintendent.

The former superintendent, Rodney Cavness, has accepted a job as superintendent at Texas City Independent School District and is set to officially begin there July 1. Cavness was with PN-GISD for seven years and has 27 years experience in the education field.

Reporter: Mary Meaux, 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews