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Keokuk Schools Select Search Firm

The Keokuk School Board will get some help in its search for a new superintendent.

Doctor Lora Wolff is stepping down June 30 to take a teaching position at Western Illinois University.  The school board officially accepted her resignation Tuesday night.

Shortly after that vote, the board agreed to hire Ray & Associates to assist in the search process.  The Cedar Rapids-based firm already handles Keokuk’s contract negotiations.

President Tyler McGhghy says the importance of the position warrants the use of a search firm.  He says the school board, which consists of volunteers, does not have the time required to locate and interview candidates.

McGhghy expects Ray & Associates to eventually present the Keokuk School Board with 5-7 candidates.  The panel will then narrow that list to 2-3 to allow for public input and community meetings.

McGhghy hopes Keokuk’s new superintendent is in place before school starts this fall.

The district will pay Ray & Associates $6,500 plus reimbursable expenses to help with the identification of candidates.  The contract includes a two-year guarantee that if the selected candidate does not work out, the firm will conduct a new search at no charge.

McGhghy says that guarantee played a key role in his decision to work with the firm.

The Keokuk School Board could vote on an updated job description for the superintendent position during next week’s meeting.  It could also vote to hire Dr. Wolff, after June 30, to help with the transition.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.