School board picks Finding Leaders to conduct superintendent search

The Primary City School District Board of Education voted March 12 to hire Finding Leaders to conduct the district's superintendent search, approving Resolution 2025-03-120.

Board members said Finding Leaders' local ties and the firm's cost structure made it their top choice among three firms that presented to the board on March 6. The board had also heard presentations from K12 and the Ohio School Boards Association, board members said.

Board members discussed the three firms before the vote. One board member summarized the options and said Finding Leaders and K12 were their top two choices, and favored Finding Leaders because it is local. Another member highlighted that Finding Leaders offered its services at no direct cost to the district. "I agree with Finding Leaders," said Board member Ashley. "They're familiar with our communities and... relationships were important." Members also noted that other districts had used Finding Leaders and reported satisfaction.

Several board members said they expected the firms to circulate surveys to staff, students and the community, screen applicants and present finalists. Board members referenced membership in DESC as the reason Finding Leaders would provide the search at no direct charge to the district.

The motion to approve Finding Leaders passed on a roll call vote. The board then instructed staff to contact Finding Leaders and begin the search process.

The presentations that led to the decision occurred at a March 6 meeting; the March 12 action formalized the board's choice and authorized the firm to begin work on the district's superintendent search.