DURHAM - School board members on Tuesday unanimously chose the North Carolina School Boards Association to conduct the district's superintendent search.
The association, in its proposal letter to the school board, estimated the search costs to range up to $12,000. The Raleigh-based association was the most economical choice out of the other four firms, whose costs range from $4,500 a day to almost $25,000.
"I believe Allison Schafer when she says she knows Durham," said board member Heidi Carter, referring to the association's director of policy and legal counsel. "I think that could be the most important criteria, that they know Durham. She has a sense of a superintendent that may be a good match for the community."
The association has provided superintendent search services for more than 50 school boards within the last 10 years, including Cumberland and Wake counties.
Tuesday afternoon's selection comes after former superintendent Carl Harris resigned to accept a job with the U.S. Department of Education. He will serve as deputy assistant secretary of education for policy and strategic initiatives.
The new superintendent is projected to start work by mid-April, according to the association’s draft timeline.
Board members are looking for someone who can integrate the various elements that make up Durham.
“Someone who is going to continue the positive trajectory we have with student achievement," said Minnie Forte-Brown, school board chair. "Who understands the relationships Durham Public Schools has with communities - the business community and the community at large - and understands how important our teachers are ... We’re looking for a leader who understands what urban districts need.”
