Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent.

Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids. Dr. Steven Lockard will take over as interim when her resignation takes effect Dec. 19.

The contract award is for $47,500 plus approved expenses.

“HYA brings extensive experience to this work and will play a crucial role in assisting the board in hiring the best possible superintendent,” School Board chair Sandy Evans said in a statement. “FCPS has embarked on a path to identify a leader that will ensure that our students are provided a world class education in Fairfax County.”

Evans also said they welcome and need feedback from parents, employees and community members.

“We will work with HYA to develop a plan that will allow our community to engage in this important process either in person or online,” Evans said.

Mount Vernon District representative Karen Corbett Sanders chaired the committee that selected the superintendent search firm.

“HYA was selected because of its successful track record in placing superintendents in large school districts and national reach,” Corbett Sanders said in a statement.

Board members who also sat on the selection committee included Pat Hynes of Hunter Mill, at-large member Jeanette Hough, Braddock representative Megan McLaughlin, Dalia Palchik of Providence, Elizabeth Schultz of Springfield and Janie Strauss of Dranesville District.

The public should expect future input opportunities, as well as school board work sessions discussing the search over the next several months.

FCPS Testing Water Quality

Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.

“Even though water quality reports, knowledge of our buildings and water distribution systems, and previous monitoring efforts all suggest that lead is not an issue for our school system,” the statement said, “FCPS has initiated a sampling program to ensure the drinking water is safe.”

Federal and state guidelines are being followed in the sampling program, which an independent firm contracted by FCPS is conducting. All remaining schools are expected to have been tested by June 2017.