Tehachapi board tables proposed Hanover Research contract after members, public raise questions about scope and timing

The Tehachapi Unified School District board on April 8 voted to table a proposed agreement with Hanover Research after trustees and public commenters said the contract lacked a clear scope and should wait until the incoming superintendent is on board.

Board members and members of the public said they had not been given enough detail about what Hanover would study, how many projects the district would fund and whether the price represented an appropriate use of limited funds. The motion to table passed 7-0.

Why it matters: Board members said the district is undergoing leadership and budget transitions and that an outside review that is open‑ended could commit scarce funds without clear priorities. Trustee Napier repeatedly urged delay, saying the board lacked the detailed scope it had requested. Trustee Sweeney and others raised budgetary questions; a public commenter said the new superintendent had said he could lead transformational work and that the review could wait until he arrived.

What trustees said: Trustee Napier said the board had asked for a specific scope and had not received it, and that signing a large, open‑ended agreement would be “not prudent process.” Trustee Sweeney said she needed more context about how the district would spend the funds and whether this was the best investment at the moment. Superintendent Brian Lynch described typical Hanover work as ‘‘about 4 to 6 projects throughout the year’’ depending on scope and said results could be used for LCAP planning.

Public commenters pressed for delay. One commenter, identified in the record as Becky Sasha, said the district’s incoming superintendent has ‘‘a proven track record of transforming schools’’ and urged the board to wait until he takes office so he can weigh in. Sasha also said the Hanover statement that “student achievement remains flat” discounted teachers’ work.

Contract amount and term: Trustees and speakers referenced differing figures during the discussion. Superintendent Lynch described a typical initial contract in another district of about $50,000 and noted districts sometimes expand services. Several trustees and commenters discussed a $150,000 figure as a three‑year total; trustees emphasized the board needed a clear single‑year scope and firm budget detail before proceeding.

Board action and next steps: Trustee Napier moved to table the item; Trustee Sweeney seconded. The motion carried 7‑0. Trustees said they expect the item to return later with a clearer scope, budgetary context and after the new superintendent begins service.

Ending: The board did not approve the Hanover Research agreement and will reconsider the matter later. The vote to table was unanimous.