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Robeson County board hires NCSBA to run superintendent search after hearing four firms
Summary
After presentations from four search firms, the Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education voted 11‑0 to hire the North Carolina School Boards Association to facilitate its superintendent search; members weighed tradeoffs including price, guarantees and statewide recruitment networks.
The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education voted 11‑0 on July 14 to hire the North Carolina School Boards Association to conduct its superintendent search.
Board member Henry Brewer moved to select the association after four firms — McPherson & Jacobson, BWP & Associates, HYA and NCSBA — gave presentations and answered questions about recruitment, vetting and community engagement. "The total price is $19,900 plus expenses," Sam Thorpe of the School Boards Association told the board during his presentation.
The presentations framed the board’s choice. McPherson & Jacobson emphasized a five‑phase process of listening, recruiting, screening, selection and transition and offered a two‑year replacement guarantee; Rich Katz of the firm said the base fee would be $30,000 with expenses not to exceed $8,650. BWP highlighted robust community engagement and cited a materials price near $22,500. HYA outlined national outreach and analytics support and presented a bundled cost the firm described as roughly $48,100 for advertising and comprehensive background work.
Board members discussed retention statistics, the strength of applicant pools, and whether a two‑year guarantee mattered more than national recruiting reach. Some members said HYA’s national footprint and retention record were attractive; others cited NCSBA’s in‑state experience and legal safeguards as advantages. The final motion to hire the School Boards Association was seconded and carried unanimously.
Next steps: staff will work with NCSBA to finalize timelines, community engagement sessions and draft vacancy announcements. The board chair said a special meeting may be scheduled to move immediately into the planning phase once consultant documents are negotiated.
