The Portland School Committee is expected to appoint a 20-member interview panel at its Sept. 3 meeting to help in a nationwide search for a new superintendent.

The nominated panel includes teachers, administrators, union representatives, parents and a variety of community representatives, said Sarah Thompson, school committee member and search chairwoman.

The position will be advertised nationally in October. Thompson said she hopes to hire a superintendent by February. The person would start work as the head of Maine's largest school district on July 1.

Jeanne Whynot Vickers, a former assistant superintendent of the district, is serving as interim superintendent following the resignation last summer of Mary Jo O'Connor during a budget crisis.

Whynot Vickers has said that she doesn't want the position permanently.

For more information about the superintendent search, visit www.portlandschools.org.