Troy City School board members were working on Thursday to prepare a contract proposal for Lee Hicks.

Hicks was selected Wednesday in a 3-2 vote to be the new superintendent for the schools. Late Wednesday, he said he was “very, very excited” to be named superintendent.

Roxie Kitchens, board president, said members Wally Lowery and Al Jones were working with attorney Richard Calhoun to prepare the contract for Hicks.

“They’re gathering information and putting together proposals,” she said. “I hope they’ll be ready to present the contract by (Friday).”

Hicks, principal at Prattville High School, was selected from among five finalists.

In preparing the contract, Kitchens said board members are comparing what other districts have offered superintendents recently, including Dothan and Monroe County, which hired Charles Henderson principal Dr. Kathy Murphy in May.

“We’re reading other contracts from other school systems to see what’s being offered,” Kitchens said.

Kitchens said typical contracts offer a base salary and standard benefits, including travel expenses; reimbursement for vehicle usage; and payment of professional and civic memberships.

Dr. Linda Felton Smith, who resigned as superintendent in February, was paid a base salary of approximately $118,000 a year, Kitchens said.

“I expect we’re going to look at that and experience as we prepare the contract offer,” Kitchens said.

Hicks is among three hires pending for the school district. Acting Superintendent Jimmy Mathews and central office administrators recently completed interviews for two open principal positions: Charles Henderson Middle School and Charles Henderson High School. Board members are likely to receive recommendations for those positions at the June 29 meeting. Kitchens said she hopes the contract negotiations with Hicks will be completed by that time, so board members can approve the final contract and have Hicks sign it prior to July 1.