As superintendent John Cain prepares for retirement at the end of the school year, the South Tama County School board has moved closer to choosing his successor. During Monday’s board meeting, the board reviewed proposals for potentially contracting search firms to facilitate the hire.

Four firms submitted materials for consideration: Grundmeyer Leader Services, Hazard Young Attea and Associates, McPherson & Jacobson, and Ray and Associates. With a decision still remaining up in the air, the board reviewed the options as they considered which firm would best assist the district in recruiting, screening and ultimately selecting its next superintendent.

Student Services Director Sam Peska presented to the board, following up from the last board meeting on the topic of attendance and chronic absenteeism. Peska’s presentation was made with information provided by the district’s attendance team. In response to the board’s curiosity about involving the county attorney more frequently, Peska added “I think there is a lot of merrit to making sure that we’re using legal action as a last resort.”

The board spent a great deal of time sifting through and reflecting on an article about “rigor and relevance,” which follows up on topics that board member Rick Hopper has brought up in previous meetings about raising academic standards within the district.

Cain highlighted the Iowa League of Cities competition being hosted on Facebook, which has featured the new middle school project. STC currently has the most votes and looks to move forward to the final round. The final day for voting in the semi-finals is Friday, Sept. 11.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.