The Albert Lea school board on Monday approved the schedule for the six finalists in the search for a new superintendent.

The interviews with the finalists will be open to the public. Here is the schedule:

Wednesday

5-6 p.m.: Cathy Bettino, superintendent, Pine River-Backus School District.

6:20-7:20 p.m.: John Chalstrom, superintendent, Cherokee (Iowa) Community School District.

7:30-8:30 p.m.: Joe Brown Sr., superintendent, Grand Meadow Independent School District. Brown is a former principal at Austin High School.

Thursday

2-3 p.m.: Michael Funk, superintendent, Bird Island, Olivia, Lake Lillian School District.

3:10-4:10 p.m.: Jamie Skjeveland, superintendent, Crosby-Ironton School District.

4:20-5:20 p.m.: Mary Smidt, superintendent, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District.

After the final candidate is interviewed, the Albert Lea school board will deliberate and is slated to winnow the finalists. The interviews take place at Brookside Education Center, 211 Richway Dr.

The school board on Monday appointed former board chairman Ken Petersen as a special assistant in the superintendent search.

The school board reviewed the files of applicants last Wednesday and received a list of recommended candidates from BKB Associates, a Mankato firm assisting the board in the search.

Albert Lea’s superintendent since 1995, Dave Prescott, in October announced he will retire June 30.