By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Alabaster Board of Education is considering working with a search agency to help the system hire its first schools superintendent, board members announced during a June 13 work session.

During the work session, which was held at the Alabaster Senior Center, board members discussed methods of searching for the superintendent, who will oversee the system’s day-to-day operations after Alabaster splits with Shelby County Schools.

Board member Adam Moseley said he would be in support of working with a search agency to find candidates who may not otherwise apply for the position.

“I want the best superintendent in the state. A lot of superintendents won’t apply for the job. You have to go through search groups,” Moseley said. “The best candidates aren’t going to answer the ad in the paper.”

Board member Ty Quarles agreed with Moseley, saying a search company could help the board locate strong superintendent candidates.

“I would like to have that sort of expertise involved,” Quarles said.

School board attorney Whit Colvin said many school boards use search groups to find their superintendents, and said the school board would have the ability to “lead the company’s search.”

Board member John Myrick said Alabaster could be a sought-after school district for experienced superintendents.

“This system has a favorable opportunity because of its formation and its financial standing,” Myrick said.

In other business:

-The board discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant to oversee the district’s day-to-day activities and to begin separation negotiations with Shelby County Schools before the board hires a superintendent.

-Moseley announced the Alabaster City Council could soon vote on a resolution to donate $2,500 to Thompson Intermediate School to purchase new pads, new basketball rims and other gym improvements.

-Moseley said the Alabaster school board could one day benefit from the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s Shelby One program, which will donate money to local schools.