The South Tama County Board of Education has selected Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the district’s search for its next superintendent.

With four board members present and Danya Keahna absent, the board approved Grundmeyer on a 3-1 vote. Rick Hopper made the motion to hire the firm, Mike Avis seconded it, with Elizabeth Dolezal voting aye and Joe Hanus cast the lone dissenting vote.

The board had previously reviewed proposals from four firms: Grundmeyer Leader Services, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, McPherson & Jacobson and Ray and Associates. Board members did not reach a consensus on a firm during their previous discussion.

At Monday’s meeting, Hopper pointed to Grundmeyer’s Iowa connections and recent work in the state as reasons he favored the firm.

“Three of the four companies are located outside the state of Iowa,” Hopper said, noting that the other firms appeared to have placed relatively few superintendents in Iowa in recent years.

Hopper said Grundmeyer reported placing administrators in 23 Iowa school districts last year, giving the firm what he viewed as a stronger pool of candidates familiar with the state.

“I took the four documents and stuck them into AI, and I had several follow-up questions with it,”

Avis said. “Every time it came back saying that Grundmeyer was the best choice.”

Superintendent John Cain also continued to recommend Grundmeyer, citing both its price and familiarity with Iowa schools.

“I continued to base my recommendation on the cost,” Cain said. “This is the most cost-effective option we have.”

Cain also noted that Grundmeyer employs a number of retired Iowa superintendents, which he said gives the company familiarity with districts and candidates across the state.

“They know Iowa schools, and I would say they know Iowa schools better than the other systems,” Cain said.

Cain additionally highlighted Grundmeyer’s offer of continued coaching after a superintendent is hired. The firm’s proposal includes assessments and training intended to help the incoming superintendent and district business official better understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses and working styles.

Elsewhere in the meeting the board reviewed legislative priorities and discussed a community wide business survey. The meeting was relatively short, with the next scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m.