Utah board may hire company for superintendent search

The state school board voted Friday to look into hiring a search firm to help find the state's next superintendent.

The board voted unanimously to put out a request for proposals for companies to help it recruit candidates for the job. Dave Crandall, board chairman, said he expects hiring such a company may cost tens of thousands of dollars. The board hopes to use a search firm in addition to putting out its own announcement.

"We wanted to cast a broader net and really actually go after individuals who may not actively be seeking a new job," Crandall said.

The board did not use a search firm in the hiring of at least the past two superintendents, Crandall said.

Bids from companies looking to be hired will be due back in about a month, he said. At that point, a company may be selected, and the board would like the company to be finished with its work by late July. The board will then start doing its own interviews of the candidates, including representatives from the legislature and education groups in the process.

Crandall said the board hopes to hire a new superintendent by September. The new hire will replace current Superintendent Martell Menlove, who announced his retirement in March.