The search for a new superintendent in the Northern Lehigh School District can now begin.

On an 8-0 vote, the school board on Monday hired Tom Templeton, a private consultant, to conduct the search.Board President Gary Fedorcha said it was a "very difficult" yet necessary action that the board had to take in light of the eventual retirement of district Superintendent Michael Michaels.Michaels expressed his appreciation to the district."We are the gem of the Lehigh Valley," Michaels said. "We have the best kids and the best teachers."Tim Weaber, a computer science teacher at Slatington Elementary School,spoke highly of Michaels."On behalf of the Northern Lehigh Education Association, I would like to publicly thank Mr. Michaels for his years of service with the Northern Lehigh School District," Weaber said. "We have been truly blessed to have Mr. Michaels as our superintendent."Weaber said Michaels has kept the focus clear, which is the success of the children; set the direction and tone; had a clear vision for the district; managed well; and fostered a relationship of cooperation and respect between the administration and teachers.Under Michaels' direction, Weaber said the district has improved its curriculum and instruction, improved and updated its facilities; and drew attention to and strengthened the security and safety for the children and staff.Michaels thanked Weaber for the kind words.After the meeting, Fedorcha said Templeton "came very highly recommended" due to his background in working with the Pennsylvania School Board Association in the past, and because he has conducted a number of searches and has a "very proven record."Fedorcha said Templeton will conduct the search immediately.Templeton will advertise the opening, and then paper-screen the applicants. The applicant must have a letter of superintendency, and must have central office experience.From that point, Fedorcha said Templeton willbring the list of candidates to a committee of the board, at which time a committee would be formed consisting of board, faculty and community members, who will recommend one or two candidates to go through a full board review and be nominated as district superintendent.Fedorcha said the plan is to have Michaels stay on as acting superintendent until the board is able to find his successor.Last month, the board accepted Michaels' retirement, effective June 30.Michaels served as superintendent for nine years.Michaels' new contract was to have run from June 1, 2014, through May 31, 2019.Under the terms of that contract, Michaels was set to make $128,700 in the 2013-2014 school year, and then receive a 2.25 percent increase in the 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.