The Fairfield County School Board came one step closer to officially launching their search for a new superintendent Tuesday night as they convened for a special called meeting to discuss who would lead that search.

Although the Board was originally scheduled to meet with Dr. Phil McDaniel on the issue Tuesday night, McDaniel, who represents a consulting firm, withdrew his firm from consideration and did not attend the meeting. Nevertheless, Board Chairwoman Andrea Harrison said Tuesday’s meeting was very productive and that the Board had compiled a comprehensive list of requirements and desired qualifications for their next superintendent. Representatives from two more firms are slated to meet with the Board next Tuesday, and Harrison said the Board should have a final decision on who will lead their search no later than Friday, April 13.

“The meeting was very amicable, which was good,” Harrison said. “It was very productive. We got a lot done.”

The Board also narrowed their search for a mediator to assist attorney Armand Derfner to three names, Harrison said. Derfner, who is representing the District in its battle with the Chester County School District over who should pay to send students living in Mitford to Chester County schools, will forward those names to Chester attorneys for consideration.

“Hopefully, this time everyone involved will take the situation seriously and we can begin mediation,” Harrison said.

Tuesday night, the Board also accepted the resignation of Bruce Illsley, the District’s Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations. Harrison would not go into detail over the resignation, but described the decision as a “mutual agreement, considering the circumstances.”