MONROE — Monroe school officials are now officially on the hunt for a new superintendent following the recent retirement of longtime school head Risk Waski due to medical issues.

The district announced it had selected the national firm of Hazard, Young,Attea & Associates to assist in the search for the next district superintendent.

“Established in 1987, HYA is one of the oldest and largest search firms having assisted more than 1,500 school boards select exceptionally talented leadership in school systems across the nation, large and small, urban and rural,” the board said in a statement. “HYA’s reputation and experience make it one of the preeminent school search firms in the nation.

Waski’s retirement was accepted by the board in a closed-session, special meeting on Feb. 8. His resignation is effective on May 22, said Joe Monroe, director of public services for the district.

“The final decision regarding the next superintendent would likely happen at the first Board of Education meeting in May,” said Monroe, of Waski’s replacement, on Monday.

Waski had been battling health issues for some time and said “my health, my family and I have decided that retirement is the best long-term decision for me.”

He assumed the office of district administrator in July, was principal of Monroe High School from 2010 to 2013; and after that served as district administrator for the Adams-Friendship school district.

HYA is a national firm but “the (search) process will include opportunities for feedback and participation from staff and community members,” a board statement added.