The County School Board on Thursday night voted 5-4 to choose a Charlotte, N.C., search firm to pick a new county school superintendent.
Coleman Lew and Associates was selected over McPherson & Jacobson of Omaha.
That vote came after board members Kathy Lennon and David Testerman started the session by saying they are very pleased with Interim Supt. Kirk Kelly and would like to keep him in place.
However, Board Attorney Scott Bennett said under board policy there has to be a 15-day waiting period after a new superintendent is nominated.
Board member Greg Martin then moved to proceed with choosing a search firm. Ms. Lennon withdrew her motion for Dr. Kelly in light of the 15-day notice rule.
Dr. Martin said, "We need to get this car on down the road. We need to begin the process of finding the leadership we need."
Ms. Lennon said at the start of the meeting, "Hamilton County has a strong leader in place. He has put together a strong team. They are implementing changes and addressing challenges."
Mr. Testerman said, "I agree that I have seen many good things happening. I have actually been amazed at the job Dr. Kelly is doing. He has been very accessible"
He added, "People in my community are asking, 'Why do you want to change things when they are going so well?'
Joe Galloway said, "I second what he (Testerman) said. I just hadn't thought about doing that."
However, he and all the other board members then voted to proceed with a search firm that will cost about $35,000.