Only two people spoke Tuesday during the Gloucester School Board’s first public hearing regarding its search for a new school division superintendent, as the board gathers public opinion on what qualities and experience are desired in the next division leader.

The board will hold a second public hearing at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, March 19, in the Abingdon Elementary School library to accept additional input regarding its superintendent search. Current superintendent Ben Kiser is retiring July 1 after an 11-year tenure.

Amy Stewart, who spoke at Tuesday night’s meeting at the Thomas Calhoun Walker Education Center, said Kiser “has done an amazing job with the hand he has been given” as the division has seen federal, state and local funding dwindle. She said perhaps the division needs someone experienced with getting more support from local government to fill the void left by federal and state budget cuts.

Stewart pointed to the growth at Christopher Newport Uni...