The Tonganoxie USD 464 Board of Education on Oct. 13 voted unanimously to retain KSB to conduct the district's superintendent search following presentations and reference checks of three finalist firms. The board moved and seconded the selection during action item 5.3 and approved the motion by voice vote.

Board members said the decision reflected a mix of cost, in-state reach and the perceived strength of the proposed team. Ryan, a board member, said he had checked references: "Had a chance to call on references for all of them. They were all positive. No surprise there." He added that two firms stood out to him for different reasons: KSB and Grunmeier.

Karen, a board member, said she favored Grunmeier for its data-driven approach but would not be disappointed if the board selected KSB. Linda, a board member, said she ultimately favored KASB because "they know Tonganoxie," and emphasized KASB's recent statewide work.

Board members also discussed trade-offs between cost and process. One member noted KSB offered a lower price than some competitors and that the gap was not large enough to outweigh other considerations. Several members praised Grunmeier's organized, research-driven process and its profiling materials, while others said KSB appeared to have stronger in-state networks.

The board asked the selected firm to move quickly. The president said he would contact KSB to begin contracting and schedule follow-up meetings so the board and firm can finalize timelines, community engagement plans and other search details.

No salary or candidate names were discussed or decided at the meeting; the board's action was to select the search firm only. Several members emphasized that later decisions about search format (open vs. closed), finalist interviews and placement priorities will be decided in consultation with the firm.

Votes at the meeting on the superintendent search firm were recorded as a unanimous voice vote in favor of the motion to select KSB.