The Moore County Schools Board selected BWP on Dec. 19 to conduct its superintendent search after presentations from five firms and a ranked-choice voting process.

Board members first discussed firm approaches and services following a presentation from Ray and Associates. BWP emerged as the top-scoring firm in a 3–2–1 ranked tally (BWP 15 points, McPherson 11, Ray 10). The board recessed so staff could contact top firms for final terms. After negotiations, staff reported that BWP agreed to reduce its base fee and add a non-solicitation provision.

"They are very appreciative of working with good strong school systems, and he is willing to reduce their base fee by $2,300 to $22,200 and add a non solicitation provision for 4 years," staff reported after the recess.

The board moved to select BWP with a motion by Mister Benway, seconded by Dr. Dahl. The chair announced the motion passed, 5–1 (one member opposed and one member absent). The board then authorized the chair to enter into a contract with BWP pending legal review; Dr. Dahl moved that authorization and Mister Benway seconded. That motion carried on the record as unanimous in the meeting (reported as 6–0).

Why it mattered: The search firm will configure outreach, stakeholder meetings and candidate screening that shape who applies and how finalists are evaluated. Board members emphasized the importance of in-person stakeholder engagement and neutral facilitation so the district can gather community input without overburdening district staff.

Board discussion and key concerns

Board members pressed firms on several topics before voting. Dr. Dahl asked whether firms would provide interview preparation for board members; presenters said they offer "prep" sessions covering interview format, do's and don'ts and can moderate stakeholder finalist forums.

Mister Benway and others asked about firm locations and availability. Presenters said their corporate office is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and that their holding company has offices in Minneapolis; they said travel costs are reimbursable and that some meetings can be virtual to reduce expense.

Mister Hensley challenged the presenters' emphasis on the diversity of their associate database, saying during Q&A that "the selection of a superintendent is unconstitutional" if race or gender is considered (as phrased by him). Presenters responded that the comment referred to outreach channels (national associations that broaden networking) rather than biased selection criteria.

Contract terms and costs

Before the vote the board negotiated with BWP. Staff reported a reduction of the firm's base fee from a previously stated amount to $22,200 and the addition of a four-year non-solicitation provision for the chosen candidate. Presenters and staff clarified that the base fee does not include travel, advertising or candidate travel expenses, which the district would pay separately.

What comes next

The board authorized its chair to enter a contract with BWP pending legal review. Staff said they expect to set an initial meeting and timeline in early January to begin profile development, stakeholder engagement and scheduling of interviews with finalists. The board noted the district’s goal of having a superintendent in place by March and aimed to keep the search on that timeframe.

Selected speakers quoted in this reporting appear in the meeting transcript as Molly Schwartzoff (vice president, presenter), Kathy Schoenfelder (lead contact, presenter), Dr. David Faltas (managing director referenced by presenters), Dr. Dahl (board member), Mister Benway (board member) and Mister Hensley (board member).