SEARCH FIRM THAT FOUND SUPERINTENDENT HIRED FOR SPECIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR HUNT

The Board of Education on Monday night approved spending $7,500 on a search firm to find a new director of special services, choosing the same outfit that found Superintendent John Ramos.

The resolution was approved, 7-1, with Board Member Johanna Wright opposed and Board Member Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad absent. It includes $7,000 for the firm of Atlantic Research Partners of Chicago, and $500 for travel.

Atlantic was the same firm used a year ago to find a new superintendent, resulting in the hiring of Ramos who started Aug. 1, 2015.

Originally, the resolution was for $14,500, with $500 of that for travel because it was to seek a board attorney as well. But Ramos said that search was postponed.

The board held the special meeting, in part, to approve the search as soon as possible so a replacement could be found before the end of 2016. 

Current Special Services Director Ella Rideau, whose retirement was accepted by the board at the Sept. 28, 2016, is set to leave as of March 1, 2017. Ramos said it is hoped a replacement would have time to work with Rideau on a smooth transition before she leaves.

But Wright suggested waiting and doing a search without an outside firm first before spending the money

See some of the discussion and the reasons for the vote below: