Raleigh, N.C. — The panel of Wake County school board members tasked with finding a new superintendent voted 2-1 Wednesday to hire a firm to conduct the search.

Board member Chris Malone, who is one of four sitting on the superintendent search subcommittee, said four firms have submitted bids for as much as $110,000, plus expenses.

The North Carolina School Boards Association also submitted a $15,000 proposal to help the board with the search.

Some board members have expressed concern about the school district paying a third party to find a replacement at a time when the school system is facing massive budget cuts.

But others have said the board needs outside assistance to handle a complex search.

The school system's current superintendent, Del Burns, announced in February his decision to resign June 30, and he was later placed on administrative leave after he publicly accused some board members of "political partisan gamesmanship" when it comes to educating students.

Donna Hargens, the system's chief academic officer, is serving as interim superintendent.

The search committee's vote must now go before the full school board for a vote.