ADAMS TWP — Mars School Board officially started the process of finding a new superintendent following a Tuesday night vote to contract a search firm.

In a 5-2 vote, board members present at the special meeting decided to retain the services of Templeton Advantage at a cost not to exceed $16,900. Megan Lenz and Anthony DePretis were absent.

“My office has been actively contacting (firms) and I've been forwarding to the board members by email … various information on various people,” said Tom King, school board solicitor.

King presented a list of executive search companies that his office researched and contacted. A district resident expressed interest in providing services, but never provided a formal proposal.

According to King's list, his firm formally looked into services provided by Victor Morrone. King said Morrone is a retired superintendent who lives in the Mars district.

“He was the superintendent at Moniteau for a number of years,” King said. “And Bethel Park as well.”

Morrone has also assisted in superintendent searches. He quoted the anticipated cost of his services between $10,000 and $15,000, according to information provided by King.

King said he also tried contacting Allegheny Intermediate Unit, but received no response.

“We made three calls — including again today,” King said.

King also contacted Chester County Intermediate Unit because it has worked for North Allegheny School District. King did not obtain a quote from the IU as it wouldn't be able to start a new search before April.

King said the board was aware Intermediate Unit 4 could supply the district with search services. While IU services are free to member districts, King explained some people question whether it's effective.

“I'm not knocking IU4,” King said. “It does save money, but the services would be somewhat different than what someone else would provide.”

Edward Albert, who is associated with the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, also submitted a proposal and quote for search services. Albert's work would cost $9,000 plus expenses.

McPherson and Jacobson, which was contacted during King's search, is a national search firm that provided the district with a base fee of $9,500. Additional costs, including things like advertisements and phone bills, would be added as the search progressed.

While McPherson and Jacobson is conducting a superintendent search for Fox Chapel Area School District, board members expressed concern over its lack of superintendent placements in Pennsylvania.

Board vice president Rita Dorsch said she was interested in pursuing a search firm closer to the district.

“I just thought that, perhaps, McPherson was a little bit further away from the source than I would like them to be,” Dorsch said.

Citing information she found, board member Sallie Wick said McPherson hasn't placed anyone in Pennsylvania for five years.

“In Pennsylvania, to me it's lacking,” Wick said. “And that's a concern for me as to why that is.”

“Their searches in Pennsylvania are somewhat limited,” King said. “But they certainly are recognized as a national search firm.”

Members Kevin Hagen and Christine Valenta said they'd be interested in learning more about the firm. Hagen suggested getting feedback from Fox Chapel's school district.

“I'd like to find out who they talked to, who they considered and why they ended up choosing McPherson,” Valenta said. “I really like the structure that they laid out.”

Valenta said she liked McPherson's proposal to record search finalists to show the board what they were like. She told the board she'd like to gather more information about the Fox Chapel search before making a decision.

Most board members said they were more comfortable with Templeton Advantage. Led by Tom Templeton, the firm has ties to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, and has conducted searches for Butler Area School District, King said.

Dorsch said she appreciated the presence and proximity Templeton could bring to a district search.

Hagen and Valenta voted against retaining Templeton, while the rest of the board voted in favor.

“I think it's going to be a great thing having Mr. Templeton on board,” said John Kennedy, board president. “This board's going to do a wonderful job finding our next leader.”