A search firm will be brought in to help Wayne County Public Schools find its new superintendent.

Wednesday, the Wayne County Board of Education interviewed two candidate firms for the superintendent search – Ray and Associates and the North Carolina School Board Association.

The Wayne County School Board members then voted 5 – 1 and approved hiring the North Carolina School Board Association.

School board member Dr. Joseph Democko cited the experience and lower cost of the N.C. School Board Association when stating his preference.

The North Carolina School Board Association stated it typically takes about six months for a district to find and successfully hire a new superintendent.

One remaining item of contention is how much the public will be involved as the district looks at superintendent candidates.

Interim Superintendent Dr. James Merrill shared his experience and says some candidates may be hesitant to apply if they’re currently employed with another school district.

School board member Len Henderson was hopeful the public may have some input on the eventual candidates.