(KNZA)--The Kansas Association of School Boards will assist the Hiawatha school district in its search for a new superintendent.

The Hiawatha School Board voted Monday evening to engage with the KASB for the superintendent search process for a fee of $5,500 plus mileage expenses.

Michelle Hubbard, with the KASB, was present at the meeting to discuss the multi-phase search process and a proposed timeline for the hiring of a new superintendent.

The KASB will advertise the position, screen applicants, conduct background checks, gather community input and recommend candidates to the Board for interviews.

A November 19th deadline has been set for applications.

The board will hold a special meeting on November 24, during which the KASB is to provide a list of recommended candidates for interviews.

Under the proposed timeline, interviews would be conducted the week of December 2nd-5th, with the hope of having a candidate hired prior to the holidays.

Current Superintendent Lonnie Moser is retiring at the end of the current school year.