The DeKalb School Board began its search last week to replace current Superintendent Brian Ali.

Ali announced March 2 that he would be leaving the school district to accept a job at Kankakee.

School board member Andy Small said the board interviewed search firms last week. The search firms are given the criteria the school board is looking for and then give the board recommendations.

The firms look at the situation the school is in, the location and other factors before making a recommendation.

The school board also expects to conduct interviews with people in the school district and in the community.

Small said the board expects to have two to four candidates and then will conduct open forums to get community input.

The salary and benefits for the new superintendent have not been determined yet.

Small said Ali’s resignation was unexpected.

“It’s never a good time,” Small said. “We have to be prepared.”

Ali has been with the school district for five years, which Small said is typical for that type of position.

During Ali’s tenure, he endured three failed referenda and dealt with problems concerning overcrowding.

Recently, the school board approved a new redistricting plan.

Small said Ali plans on fully contributing to the school board until his contract expires June 30 and can come back as necessary to train his replacement.

If the school board is unable to get a new superintendent by the time Ali leaves, an interim will be appointed.

Small said the board wishes Ali well.

“He has done a lot of things here,” he said. “We have our job cut out for us.”