School Board delays hiring superintendent search firm

The Culpeper County School Board voted 5-0 Thursday in favor of postponing its decision to award a superintendent search firm.

Vice Chair Bob Beard said the extra time would allow the board to conduct further reference checks on potential consultants.

Members Rusty Jenkins and Jimmy Lee were absent.

The board also decided to hold its next special meeting on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in Central Office, 450 Radio Lane, with the hope of hiring a search firm to help with the superintendent search.

Earlier this week, the board met with four firms: McPherson & Jacobson of Omaha, Neb., Proact Search of Milwaukee, Wis, Ray & Associates of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Synergy Consulting of Richmond.

Background
In June, the board voted in favor of mutually parting ways with Superintendent David Cox, following seven years of service.

Cox is currently on a one-year paid sabbatical, which ends June 30, 2009.

During this time, he’s expected to provide “consulting and transition services” to the board.

Meanwhile, the board appointed Acting Superintendent Larry Carter to take over chief duties effective July 1.

His one-year contract also ends June 2009.

Carter has served as the school division’s executive director of administrative services since the fall of 2004.

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .