Duval County schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals pledged Monday morning to assist the School Board in whatever capacity it wants in the nationwide search for his successor — a process likely to cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The board notified Pratt-Dannals on Friday afternoon it would not be renewing his $274,000-a-year contract when it expires Dec. 31.

Meeting with the news media for the first time since the board’s surprising disclosure Friday night, Pratt-Dannals said Monday he is fine that the board decided it wants another superintendent.

Replay: Live blog coverage from Pratt-Dannals' media session Monday

He said he had talked with some board members over the last few months about retiring but wanted to wait until near the end of the school year before making the announcement.

“If we waited more toward May or June, which is kind of more the timeline I was thinking about, after FCAT, [before] announcing,” he said.

Search Duval FCAT scores

Pratt-Dannals, 60, has worked in the school system for more than 30 years and has been superintendent since November 2007.

The board has already started the process to replace him.

Board Chairwoman Betty Burney has emailed other board members asking them for their input on the components that make a world-class school system, Vice Chairman Fel Lee said Monday. She also asked what traits the new superintendent must have to accomplish that goal.