For the most part, each proposal shared many of the same features. Each group did propose a national search component, with the prices for the search ranging from $12,000 to in excess of $15,000.

Superintendent Finder, a service of the Alabama Association of School Boards, did provide the least expensive national search offer. In addition, the firm also gave the board less expensive options for searches that remained more regional.

It also appeared during their presentation that Superintendent Finder was the only group to include advertising the position in their base prices, while the other groups gave their price before the addition of advertising and expenses.

Board members also pressed each group on any payment or refund policies in the event the firm is hired and then later court rulings place Jefferson back in the superintendent post. Such a ruling and reinstatement would make the services for a search firm unnecessary.

In response, most of the groups said they “would work with the school system” on any reduction in costs of refunds, while Ray & Associates, appeared to be the most firm on receiving a portion of their fee at the very beginning of the search.

The school board holds its next regular board meeting Thursday, Feb. 9. There was no decision on whether the board will select a search firm at that time.