LANCASTER, Pa. – The School District of Lancaster cuts ties with the head hunter firm hired to help find a new superintendent. A school district spokesman said that the school board terminated its contract with PROACT Search, LLC on Thursday. The action came after the Board learned of disturbing allegations last week that PROACT Search CEO Gary Solomon used racist slurs in some past emails. The Board met on Wednesday and made the decision to immediately cease its relationship with the firm.
In February the SDoL Board approved a $24,000 contract with PROACT Search, LLC to help find a new leader to replace Pedro Rivera who was named by Governor Tom Wolf as acting Secretary of Education. Nationally recognized PROACT Search has expertise with Superintendent placement in medium and large-sized urban school districts. The district paid $6,000 as part of the contract, and agreed to pay PROACT Search another $4,000 to terminate the deal.
The board is moving forward in the search for a new superintendent and has contact experienced consultants, some locally, who can help manage the process.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough search process to ensure the integrity of the outcome," stated Board President Stacey Marten. “We must always make decisions that are in the best interest of the students we serve.”
The Board will formally terminate the PROACT Search LLC contract at its May 19 board and provide additional details.
