The search is on for South Bend Community School Corporation’s next superintendent.

Friday, the board of trustees picked the firm that will lead their search, and they say their choice will attract candidates from all across the country.

With months left until the current superintendent Dr. Carole Schmidt steps down, the board is prepared to work swiftly to find a replacement.

The challenge here is attracting a national candidate, as many members expressed a desire for, and keeping that superintendent long term.

“This is the size of a city with the kind of complexity that would be attractive to a superintendent candidate,” said Jay Caponigro, SBCSC school board president.

It’s the hope of this board of education that the right consultant firm will help attract the right talent for their soon-to-be vacant superintendent seat.

“We want to get with them early in February and make sure that we give them what they need to begin to generate the kind of publicity to attract candidates,” said Caponigro.

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates or H.Y.A Associates was selected by this board Friday.

Many members expressed their confidence in this firm’s ability to broaden the pool of prospects.

This time, they’re hoping for more candidates outside of Michiana.

“What we’re looking for is a pool that has a national reach, that doesn’t mean that we’re not interested in hiring qualified people that might be from Indiana or that might be from a local district,” said Caponigro.

But geography aside, the next superintendent will have to realize the challenges facing the district.

“Poverty or special needs or challenges that we have of our own making,” said Caponigro.

H.Y.A Associates bid was for $24,500.

The board will draw up a contract and meet with them at the beginning of the month.