Board approves $257,500 consulting contract to prepare district for potential voter proposition

The Bay City ISD Board authorized contracting with a consulting firm to help the district prepare for a potential voter proposition and related community engagement, approving a package of services priced at $257,500. Trustees voted 4–0 to approve contracting for the selected options; the motion passed without opposition. Superintendent Chris Townsend and other staff described the consultant's track record helping districts with voter propositions. The district selected options that include the main consulting package, website hosting and overhaul, and support for a community-based steering committee; the board declined services the staff judged lower value (a broad community opinion survey was discussed but the superintendent recommended including the survey after peers reported value in the field). Townsend said the district is exploring fundraising to offset the cost (the education foundation and a community member have been contacted) but recommended the board consider the contract as if no assistance would materialize. Staff said the consultant can advise on timing and messaging and would work with a district steering committee should the board move toward a voter proposition in 2026. During discussion trustees asked about timing and the scope of services. Staff said they may use the consultant to advise when to stop public messaging and to manage communications details; the superintendent said some statements will need to be curtailed at a certain point during a campaign process. The consultant package and selected options were approved and staff will begin engaging the firm and forming a steering committee if needed.