School Board moves toward contract with superintendent search firm

The Clark County School Board on Thursday took a cautious approach to choosing a new superintendent as it explored partnering with the same Nebraska search firm that produced short-lived Superintendent Dwight Jones in 2010, but changing some of the contract conditions.

Omaha-based firm McPherson & Jacobson is requesting a 10 percent increase to the base fee of $38,500 it charged the Clark County School District in 2010, raising the cost to $42,500.

The district didn’t put out a request for proposals to search firms, instead approaching McPherson to do it again.

“My preference would have been to open it up,” said School Board member Linda Young, who suggested the district could’ve gotten more bang for its buck. “I want that on the record.”

The firm is charging a maximum of $7,700 for travel and lodging expenses.

However, School Board members unanimously voted Thursday, after hearing the firm’s requests, that the fee should be reduced by $2,000 since McPherson didn’t have to compete with other firms.

“They ought to cut us a break,” Board President Carolyn Edwards said.

The board also wants reassurances that it will get what it wants. It’s requesting the ability to sever the contract with McPherson at any time, just paying the firm’s expenses up to that point.

And if the firm’s four superintendent finalists aren’t desirable, the School Board wants the ability to request a whole new list at no cost increase. In 2010, the School Board requested three finalists and one of those dropped out.

Lastly, in the event that the new superintendent doesn’t last two years, the board wants a new search at no cost.

Contact reporter Trevon Milliard at tmilliard@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.