Board approves $191,250 contract with ALMA Advisory Group to recruit five district leaders

The Allentown School District board approved hiring ALMA Advisory Group on Jan. 22 to conduct executive searches for five district leadership positions at an estimated cost of $191,250.

"The cost for services is estimated at $191,250," the presenter said when introducing the ALMA advisory contract and explaining its equity-centered search process. The firm said it had reviewed other vendors; district staff said three additional vendors were reviewed internally but professional services procurement limits the public'facing procurement detail.

Board members asked whether ALMA offers placement guarantees or refunds in the event of turnover; the ALMA representative said the firm expects to place candidates for the long term but does not provide an explicit money-back guarantee for turnover. The solicitor explained that procurement rules for professional services give the district discretion and limit the level of public procurement detail for these engagements.

A motion to hire ALMA was made and seconded; the chair called the vote and the motion carried.

The contract is intended to fill five critical roles: director of science; assistant superintendent of student services; executive director of English language services; chief of family and community engagement; and William Allen High School principal. District staff described the hires as essential to strengthening instructional leadership, multilingual supports and school-level administration.