School board contracts with GSBA to conduct search

The Grady County Board of Education is moving forward with its search for a superintendent to replace retiring Superintendent Dr. Tommy Pharis.
Pharis announced last month he would retire effective July 1.
Board members met last week with Bill Sampson, a consultant with the Georgia School Boards Association, to discuss GSBA coordinating the superintendent search.
On Tuesday night, the board voted unanimously to secure GSBA to conduct the search at a cost of $6,500. The board is requesting GSBA use on-line materials rather than printing color brochures advertising the position vacancy in order to cut costs.
Board member Scott Higginbotham suggested the time line be adjusted in order to name finalists for the position by April 1 so that new superintendent could be hired by April 15.
Georgia law requires the names of finalists for the heads of public agencies be released to the public 14 days before an official vote to hire someone can be held.
According to Chairman Drew Pyrz, by utilizing the on-line marketing approach the position will be posted as early as Thursday and the search will officially be underway.
Board member Teresa Gee Harris made the motion to employ GSBA to conduct the search in order for an objective, unbiased third party to receive and screen the applications on behalf of the board.
Board member Jeff Worsham seconded the motion and the board approved in unison.