The search firm plans to use the feedback to build a profile of the ideal candidate for the next HISD superintendent.

The search for the next leader of the Houston Independent School District is in full swing. And the board wants to hear more from students and parents.

On a recent weekday evening, about a dozen parents and students gathered inside the Chavez High School auditorium.

They told consultant Maria Ott what they want to keep in HISD, such as extra support for kids applying to college.

“Thank you, that's really a real positive example on the number one question — which are those the things you're proud of and you want to keep going,” replied Ott, who is with the firm HYA & Associates. The Houston school board hired the search firm to recruit a replacement for former Superintendent Terry Grier. He left last month.

Ott had three guiding questions for the audience. That first one again: “What strengths should be maintained and nourished during this transition in leadership?”

The second one was what are the challenges the next superintendent needs to address.

And the third question was about their personality and experience.

“How they relate with people, how they communicate, just all the different qualities that an individual would want to see in their superintendent,” Ott said.

Ott said that they'll use the answers to build a profile of the ideal candidate for the next HISD superintendent.

Chavez principal Rene Sanchez said that it's worth the time to give input.

“Just like I was telling my students, it's important for you to be here, because this is your community and, in this case, this is is your city. If we don’t have input on this, when can we have input?” Sanchez said.

There are seven community meetings left where parents, students and others can give their feedback.

Here is the schedule:

Monday, Mar. 21, 2016, at 6 p.m. (Trustee Michael L. Lunceford, District V)

Pin Oak Middle School, 4601 Glenmont St., 77401

Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2016, at 9 a.m. (Trustee Anna Eastman, District I; Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II )

Oak Forest Elementary, 1401 W. 43rd St., 77018

Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2016, at 6 p.m. (Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II; Trustee Diana Dávila, District VIII)

Wheatley High School, 4801 Providence St., 77020

Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2016, at 6 p.m. (Trustee Greg Meyers, District VI)

Westside High School, 14201 Briar Forest Dr., 77077

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2016, at 6 p.m. (Trustee Anna Eastman, District I)

Leonel Castillo Community Center, 2101 South St., 77009

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2016, at 7 p.m. (Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II)

Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St., 77092

*This meeting is reserved for clergy and elected officials in District II

Thursday, Mar. 24, 2016, at 6 p.m. (Trustee Greg Meyers, District VI)

Sharpstown High School, 7504 Bissonnet St., 77074

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