The Allentown School District finance committee voted to move forward with hiring Cowen Partners to conduct an executive search for a chief financial officer.

Mister Sang presented the recommendation: the firm's fee is 25% of the expected first-year base salary (a discount from a higher standard rate was noted in the presentation). The committee discussed the benefit of an external search to widen the candidate pool, expedite the search and provide a one-year guarantee.

A motion to engage Cowen Partners (fee of 25% of first-year base salary) was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The item will return to the regular board meeting for final approval and contract execution.