Board hires McPherson Jacobson to run superintendent search, authorizes consultant fee up to $5,000

The Teton County District Board voted to hire McPherson Jacobson to handle the district’s superintendent search and authorized a consultant contract not to exceed $5,000, a motion made and seconded during the meeting.

Board members said time is a factor and that contracting a search firm would allow the district to re‑use the brochure and candidate questionnaire from the last search and place advertising quickly. Ray Hitchcliffe, who led discussion of the procurement, said McPherson Jacobson could “have a contract with Diane by tomorrow and have the advertisements on the street this week,” and the board approved the firm for the search.

Why it matters: The board is conducting a search while the district also faces near‑term hiring and budget decisions. Board members emphasized a transparent process with community input, but also said the board must present a united front to attract candidates.

What the contract will cover - The vendor will prepare promotional materials, manage the application portal and screen applicants. The firm offered to re‑use the district’s brochure from the prior search to speed the timeline. - The board discussed a 3‑week advertising window; the firm recommended at least three weeks to allow candidates time to assemble materials.

Quotes and process notes - “They could have a contract with Diane by tomorrow and have the advertisements on the street this week,” Ray Hitchcliffe said after he spoke with the consultant. - ISBA (Idaho School Boards Association) staff had called in earlier in the meeting to describe a typical search process and offer an alternative model of full support; board members discussed both options before selecting McPherson Jacobson.

Next steps: The district will finalize a contract with McPherson Jacobson, post the vacancy, and return to the board with timelines for application review and community engagement opportunities.