The School District of Milton Board of Education voted to hire Hazard Young Atia & Associates (HYA) to conduct the district's superintendent search and approved the firm's job posting so it can be posted before the state education convention in Milwaukee.

Rick moved to approve the HYA contract, described in board materials as a $19,500 base fee with up to $3,000 available for additional daily expenses, for a total not to exceed $22,500. John seconded the motion, and the board approved it by voice vote.

Scott Winch, HYA consultant, told the board the firm will use a password-protected portal to collect candidate materials and will conduct brief (15–20 minute) individual interviews with each board member. "So far, we've had a couple of Zoom meetings with Annette," Winch said, adding the firm plans targeted outreach at the WASB convention and will provide a promotional flyer to distribute at the HYA booth.

Winch emphasized confidentiality for candidates: "Everything in there is password protected ... and just a friendly reminder to everybody that that is a confidential [process], especially the candidates that apply," he said.

The board also approved the superintendent job posting from HYA, clearing the way for the district to accept applications and begin screening. Board materials said the hiring committee aims to complete initial planning and schedule focus groups and interviews before the end of January.

Next steps described at the meeting include finalizing a search timeline with HYA, scheduling individual interviews with board members and staff, and providing opportunities for staff and community input during the search process.