WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – The Wausau school board has picked a search firm from Illinois to help it find a new superintendent.

The board chose Glenview, Illinois-based Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates because of its experience including the community in the search process.

“The process will create a chance for our entire school community to work together to make the very best decision possible in selecting a new district leader,” school board president Michelle Schaefer said in a statement.

The school board will meet with the firm Thursday. Consultants will then meet with different stakeholders like business leaders, teachers and support staff to help develop a profile of the next superintendent.

The district plans to have a new superintendent by August 1st. The board is working out the details of an interim superintendent if it cannot hire a permanent leader by then, Schaefer said.

The search will cost $25,000.

The school board must find a new superintendent because Steve Murley has accepted the top education job in the Iowa City public school district. He will start there July 1st.