The Iowa City School Board chose to hire Hazard Young Attea & Associates to assist the district in its search for a new superintendent.

In a unanimous vote, School Board members decided on the Illinois-based firm after interviewing its representatives and those from two others last week.

Board member Toni Cilek said she was happy with the decision.

“It seems that they could give us the most options,” she said. “Their ties to Iowa City also make them a good choice.”

Board members said they plan to meet with Hazard Young Attea & Associates employees next week; they would like to hire a new superintendent by April.

Plugge will leave the district at the end of the school year to become the chief administrator of the Green Hills Area Education Agency in Council Bluffs.

— by Marleen Linares