The Troup County School Board unanimously voted Thursday to hire McPherson & Jacobson as the firm to lead the search for a new superintendent.

School board member Joe Franklin said he felt McPherson & Jacobson was “best suited to handle” the search. There was little discussion, with board chairman Kirk Hancock noting that the board seemed to be in consensus.

Both McPherson & Jacobson and the Georgia School Board Association presented during Monday’s work session. Dr. Roy Nichols, interim superintendent talked about next steps after the vote. 

“The next step would be for the board to get with the firm you selected and come up with a definite contract about what services they will provide and when,” Nichols said.

McPherson & Jacobson said Monday that the estimated cost for its services would be $24,210, including travel expenses. However, the firm was willing to alter to search, depending on what the board stipulated. The GSBA estimate was $7,000, not including travel and lodging expenses. On Monday, representatives from McPherson & Jacobson talked about their five-phase interview process, which has been successful in other districts. James R. Hutto, a consultant with the company, said that almost 75 percent of administrators they helped select over the last five years are still in their positions.

“We take a lot of pride in the fact that our process seems to lend itself to longevity in the superintendent,” Hutto said.

The school system has needed a superintendent since Aug. 13, when Dr. Cole Pugh resigned. Nichols was named interim superintendent at the same meeting.