By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—The search for a superintendent to lead the Hoover City School System is slated to begin next week, school officials announced during a special-called Board of Education meeting on Jan. 16.

The BOE unanimously voted to hire the Alabama Association of School Boards to lead the search.

“We literally will start (the search for a new superintendent) next week,” BOE President Donna Frazier said before signing the contract to work with the AASB.

The BOE approved a resolution of intent to hire the AASB to lead the search after AASB Director of Board Development Susan Salter presented the organization’s “superintendent finder” program during a Jan. 12 BOE meeting.

Five additional firms submitted proposals following the Jan. 12 meeting. The board reviewed each proposal and selected the AASB’s program.

Salter explained the AASB will recruit, accept and review applications, screen candidates and narrow the pool down to five candidates which will be submitted to the BOE for a final decision.

The AASB’s service carries a price tag of $21,200, but the Hoover City School System was granted a discount, bringing the total cost to $19,700.

“AASB is my top pick, just for the simple fact that they have done everything and then some,” Frazier said, noting the interest the AASB has expressed in the job.

BOE member Derrick Murphy echoed Frazier’s support of the AASB, stating he felt confident in the organization’s understanding of “the dynamics of the state and the southeastern region.”

Dr. Jim Reese is currently serving the Hoover City School System as interim superintendent. He was appointed to the position during a special-called meeting on Dec. 19, 2014. Reese’s 180-day term became effective Jan. 1 and will terminate in June.

Reese commended the Board’s work and dedication throughout the process leading to the selection of the AASB.

“I’m very impressed by the way you’ve handled this,” Reese said. “I’ve just been extremely impressed with the school board and the way you’ve gone about this.”