The North Wasco County School District 21 board has given a notice of intent to award a contract to McPherson and Jacobson of Omaha, Nebraska to serve as a consultant in the district’s search for a new superintendent. The panel interviewed representatives of three firms Thursday night. Retiring Superintendent Candy Armstrong says there will be some steps to take before a contract is finalized. Armstrong says the firm will guide the district through the search process and bring candidates for the job to the board. The district expects to start screening candidates after the first of the year.