The Washoe County School District Board of Directors (WCSD) brought forward the process for replacing Superintendent Kristen McNeill on Tuesday.

Officials presented options for the research process. These included hiring a national company, using a local consultant, and possibly recruiting district staff.

A national research firm would cost the district $ 45,000 compared to $ 20,000 for a local consultant, said Emily Ellison, WCSD’s human resources manager.

Ellison said the internal path would not be seen as impartial. Trustees unanimously voted for the national option with the promise that comments would be solicited from students, staff, parents and the community.

Administrator Jeff Church initially said he was against using a national business, but then changed his mind.

The latest research was “not good,” he said. “I think a lot of the outside candidates were dismal. They weren’t good overall.

He suggested that the district internally search for the next superintendent, but still voted for the national consultant.

Administrator Ellen Minneto said recruiting from existing district staff was a bad idea.

“A national search does not exclude [candidates]Trustee Angie Taylor said in agreement. “We want to keep it as open as possible.”

The Trustees selected McNeill in May of last year from the group recommended by a national research firm.

Ellison said a request for proposals will take place on October 26 and research facilitators will submit proposals in late November. Recruitment and selection will begin in January.

The new superintendent is expected to take office in July 2022.