Decatur’s school board unanimously selected Rosemont, Ill., firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Monday night to lead a national search for replacing Superintendent Phyllis Edwards. Chairman Garrett Goebel was reluctant to discuss why this firm was chosen over four others the board interviewed.
HYA emphasizes community input as critical to the search process, which individual board members have also deemed essential in recent weeks. Additionally the firm’s proposal gives a time frame of three to four months, down from original estimates of four to six months, or even six to nine months.
“Bottom line we want to do whatever we need to do to make a seamless transition,” Goebel said. He added that he didn’t rule out an interim superintendent if the search process bogs down. The firm won’t be officially approved until the next regular board meeting on May 12, although the planning phase between and board and consultant may start before then.
The consultant fee is $19,500.
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