Thompson School District board hires McPherson & Jacobson to lead superintendent search

The Thompson School District R-2J Board of Education voted unanimously Feb. 25 to hire McPherson & Jacobson, Inc. to conduct the district’s superintendent search, the board said during a special meeting called to select a search firm.

Board member Stu Boyd and Board member Barbara Cruz told colleagues they had reviewed four proposals and identified two finalists: Hazard, Young, Atia and Associates and McPherson & Jacobson. The board discussed each firm’s local experience, recruitment approach, timeline and cost before deciding.

Board members said McPherson & Jacobson’s Colorado track record and a detailed list of responsibilities for the firm and the board weighed heavily in favor of the company. Board member Stu Boyd said McPherson provided “three pages of Colorado searches” and cited a former McPherson executive, Dr. Randy Zila, who has worked in local districts and is familiar with the area. Several members noted McPherson’s relationship with the Colorado Association of School Boards and that the firm offers active recruitment methods and a candidate data bank rather than relying only on ad responses.

Board members also contrasted costs and local experience. Members said Hazard, Young, Atia and Associates reported a larger national practice but had completed fewer Colorado searches in recent years (board members cited seven recent Colorado searches for that firm). Several trustees said Hazard’s proposal appeared more polished, and one member said Hazard offered an online portal for board access to applicants. However, trustees raised concerns about higher cost and relatively limited Colorado placements.

Trustees asked whether the district should hire an interim superintendent instead. A representative from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) — cited by board members though not named in the meeting transcript — told board members that an interim is typically used for sudden, last-minute departures or when applicants do not meet district criteria. Board members noted choosing an interim first would likely mean paying twice: once for an interim and again for a full search.

The board also heard that McPherson had a survey ready to send to the community immediately and that McPherson offers, for an additional charge, spouse or significant-other visits for finalists. Trustees said the firm’s written timeline and a clear division of tasks between the firm and the board were useful for estimating the board’s time commitment.

A motion to hire McPherson & Jacobson, Inc. as the district’s search firm was made during the meeting (mover not specified in the transcript) and was seconded by Board member Dawn Kirk. On roll call the board voted: Stu Boyd — yes; Denise Chapman — yes; Amy Doran — yes; Dawn Kirk — yes; Barbara Cruz — yes; Alexandra Lehi — yes; Nancy Rumpel — yes. The motion passed unanimously and the board adjourned.

The board did not set a firm start date for the McPherson-led search during the meeting. Members said they expect the search process to take several months and described community engagement, candidate screening and interviews as the next steps.