The next Seattle Schools' superintendent should breed inspiration within the community while also possessing strong leadership skills and sound financial know-how, parents told the national search firm hired to look for a new district chief.

About 12 people came to Whitman Middle School last Wednesday evening to tell representatives from the Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based company, Ray and Associates, what characteristics they'd like to have in a new district leader. It's part of a series of public meetings across the city to develop a "profile" for desired candidates.

The firm is responsible for locating potential candidates, screening and background checks and community involvement processes. The district launched a search for a new district chief in November after superintendent Raj Manhas announced he would leave the position this August.

Participants were asked to describe the strengths of the district. Many said the schools have strong parent and community support and, generally, parents seem pleased with their schools.

"People speak highly of their schools," said one man. "Obviously something right is happening around here."

Peter Maier, president of Schoolsfirst!, a campaign organization that works to pass Seattle school levies, said public support is evident in the continual passage of school bond and levy measures. Historically, such levies have passed by wide margins.

"It's a very education oriented population..." Maier said.

Next, parents were asked what major qualities the next superintendent should have. Most said they wanted someone with the ability to inspire not only his or her staff, but also the school and citizen communities. Others said integrity and fortitude were important qualities.

"We need someone who has the courage to stand up to people - someone with a backbone," said one parent.

The new chief should have experience leading public schools as well as be a visionary and build enthusiasm around the positives happening in public education.

"Let's face it, this person has to be perfect," one man said.

Parents listed building a strong relationship with the School Board, balancing the budget and easing transitions related to school closures and consolidations as the next superintendents' major challenges.

"There's a huge amount of outreach that needs to be done," said one woman.

Parents filled out a survey in which they chose the 10 most desired characteristics out of a list of 32 traits. After compiling the surveys from several community, staff and school administration meetings, the search firm will present the School Board with the top rated traits at a board meeting on Jan.31.

At that meeting, the board will vote one a final character and professional profile for the next district leader.

"Once we get the profile, then we're on the road," said Jim Shoemake, an associate with Ray and Associates and a former Tacoma School District superintendent. "We're seeing some really common themes."

In addition to a national search, the firm plans to attend the American Association of School Administrators conference in New Orleans, La. in March to search for candidates.

Under a tentative schedule, a list of about 10 to 14 candidates could be presented to the board by the end of March, said Shoemake. Names of candidates will not be released, even to board members, until the list is narrowed to the top two or three.

The expected start date for the new superintendent is July 1.

Shoemake said he's confident that Seattle will attract premium candidates.

"There will be superintendents who want this job," he said. "Ray and Associates has not had an unsuccessful search and we don't want Seattle to be our first."

The School Board has set a new salary range of $240,000 annually for the next superintendent. Manhas makes about $177,000 a year.

"We think it's competitive," said Shoemake. "You have to remember, you're hiring a CEO (chief executive officer) that's running a half billion dollar corporation."

Shoemake stressed that the district would not be convening a community advisory board to make recommendations to the board as it has in past superintendent searches. The final hiring decision will be up to the School Board, he said.

"This is the most important thing a school board will ever do in its existence," Shoemake said.

Wednesday, Jan. 24 will be the final public meetings to discuss the characteristics and qualities desired in Seattle Public Schools' next superintendent. Madison Middle School, 6 p.m. and Aki Kurose Middle School, 8 p.m. Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese translation will be provided at Madison and Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese at Aki.