The Placentia‑Yorba Linda Unified School District Board of Education on May 6 selected the Costco Group to conduct the district's superintendent search following presentations by four firms.

Trustees invited Ray & Associates, Education Leadership Services, McPherson & Jacobson and the Costco Group to present their search plans, after which the board discussed reach, candidate diversity, confidentiality of early rounds and post‑hire support. Trustees cited the Costco Group’s pledge to dedicate partners to a single search, its included first‑year mentorship and a firm guarantee as decisive. Trustee Frazier moved to appoint the Costco Group; the motion was seconded and the board recorded the voice vote on the record.

During their presentations Ray & Associates (Steve Chestnut) described a five‑stage process that emphasized stakeholder input, a 31‑quality survey and deep background checks; Education Leadership Services (Clint Harwick) highlighted board‑level governance work, a 100‑day onboarding plan and a two‑year guarantee; McPherson & Jacobson (Ben Johnson) emphasized its national outreach with California consultants and a two‑year follow‑up offering. Costco Group (Debbie French) told the board the firm conducts one search at a time and includes mentorship in its fee.

Members asked each firm how they would balance confidentiality for candidates and community input. Chestnut said the first round is typically confidential and that boards decide how and when finalists are announced. Harwick and others described town‑hall‑style engagement and video screening options that can be adapted to the board’s preferences.

Board members said they would finalize contract details and timeline with the selected firm before work begins. The board president noted the next step is completion of contract terms and firm onboarding before community stakeholder meetings and a timeline for candidate recruitment.

Quotes used in this story come from the firms’ live presentations and exchanges recorded on the May 6 meeting agenda (presentations by Steve Chestnut, Clint Harwick, Ben Johnson and Debbie French).