Mars Area School Board voted 5-2 in favor of approving Templeton Advantage to assist Mars Area School District in its search for a new superintendent at a cost not to exceed $16,900.

Board members Kevin Hagen and Christine Valenta cast the dissenting votes. Board members Anthony Depretis and Megan Lenz were absent.

In the past, Templeton Advantage (Newport, Pa.), run by founder and project manager Tom Templeton, has worked with Butler Area, Fox Chapel, Grove City and State College Area, among other school districts and intermediate units, to identify and interview candidates for superintendent and other leadership positions.

“It’s going to be a great thing having Mr. Templeton on board to do this search,” said John Kennedy, Board president. “This Board is going to do a wonderful job finding our next leader.”

Earlier this month, the Board notified Dr. Wesley W. Shipley, Mars Area School District superintendent, that his contract will not be renewed at the end of the 2019-2020 School Year and that other candidates would be considered to fill the position.

The Board also announced that it would retain the services of a superintendent search firm to conduct a broad, nationwide search for the next superintendent of Mars Area School District.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581.