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After years of what one speaker called a "revolving door" of Prince George's County school superintendents, residents told the committee charged with compiling a list of qualifications for a new school leader that they want someone who will stay for the long-term.

"What we need is we need to be stable. We need someone to continue what we started," Gordon Sampson, former principal of Largo High School, said during a meeting Tuesday at the Sasscer Administration Building in Upper Marlboro. "We need someone to move us forward. We need someone to keep us on the right path."

The county school board along with Maryland Association of Boards of Education representatives heard suggestions from residents at two meetings Tuesday about qualities that should be sought in the new schools superintendent.

One meeting was held at Sasscer and another was held at Oxon Hill High School.

The school system has not had a superintendent stay for more than four years since 1991, and the most recent superintendent, John E. Deasy, left in November to work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on education and world health.

Deasy stayed with the school system for two and a half years despite saying he planned to stay about eight years when he was hired.

Deasy's deputy superintendent, William R. Hite Jr., is serving as interim superintendent and said he plans to vie for the permanent job.

The board plans to hire a permanent superintendent by July. Officials are compiling suggestions and will use the list to help in the search for a new superintendent.

During the meeting at Oxon Hill High School, speakers reiterated the need for a long-term superintendent.

"[Deasy] loved these children, but he rolled out on them," said Steven Morris of Fort Washington, a former vice principal and teacher in the county.

Some residents were concerned a new leader would implement new programs too quickly or without knowing the county well.

Sabrina Vann of Clinton wanted to see a superintendent who would keep the school system on the right track, even during the turbulent economy.

"If we have something that's good and rich, let's hold onto it. Let's enhance it; let's see how far we can go," she said.

Participants had varied suggestions, including expanding science and technology programs, improving student discipline, improving schools' image and promoting parental involvement.

"Our new superintendent needs to be well aware of low parental involvement," said Alexandria Briggs-Blake, PTA president at Fort Foote Elementary in Fort Washington.

Parents also expressed concern about dwindling funds. The school system is expecting a $4.4 million budget shortfall next year.

"Our students are already struggling, and you're taking money from them, they can't afford to have any less," said Truline Rodgers of Upper Marlboro, whose son attends Ernest Everett Just Middle School in Mitchellville.