Federal Way school board members voted unanimously at the Oct. 28 meeting to select Ray and Associates as the consulting firm to help guide their search for a new superintendent.

On Oct. 21, school board members conducted an open work study meeting and the board interviewed representatives of two firms who are the finalists for the contract. Those firms were Ray and Associates and Northwest Leadership Associates.

“I’m excited to be moving forward as we make this partnership,” said Geoffery McAnalloy, board vice president. “I am confident this firm can help gather and provide information from our community that can lead us into a possible strategic plan.”

The board also approved a form they will use to help screen applicants for the Citizens Superintendent Search Advisory Committee. The district sought applicants for a committee of community members and staff.

The role of the Superintendent Search Committee is to provide input and assistance during the search process, officials said.

The committee is expected to provide input on the qualities and characteristics that are being sought in the next superintendent and give input on the process, community forums and other means of community and staff engagement as the process moves forward with recommendations to the board.

Appointments to the Citizens’ Superintendent Search Advisory Committee will be announced the week of Nov. 3.

“We as a district will, of course, be needing to ensure there is as much diversification on the committee as possible,” McAnalloy said.

Information about the committee selection process and a draft of the hiring timeline is available on the superintendent search webpage, www.fwps.org/highlights/board-education/sup-search/.

In addition to providing details about the process, the page provides an opportunity for the community to provide comments and feedback on the search or regarding the qualities needed in the superintendent of Federal Way Public Schools.