Board approves NHSBA Bridal Group contract for superintendent search with contingency up to $20,000

The Laconia School Board approved a contract with the Bridal Group (NHSBA superintendent-search services) on Tuesday, authorizing $17,000 for consulting plus a contingency of up to $3,000 for direct expenses, for a total not to exceed $20,000.

The search committee presented a draft contract that the board described as “minimalist” and discussed projected additional expenses such as advertising and mileage. The contract language was updated to set mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate and to note an approximate $500 advertising cost in committee materials. The committee recommended a contingency of $3,000 after consultation with the superintendent’s office.

A board member explained the $3,000 contingency was chosen following staff guidance that it was reasonable to cover projected direct costs. The board voted 7-0 to approve the contract and contingency.

Committee members emphasized that the district’s assistant superintendent will serve as the SAU representative on the search process and that board members’ role will be to support transition and participation as needed. The motion authorized the superintendent-search contract and gave the committee flexibility to use the contingency funds without returning for a separate vote unless the amount exceeded the authorized cap.

The motion and approval concluded the search-contract agenda item; the committee will proceed with advertising and candidate outreach as described in the contract materials.