Board limits extension of financial advisor Dr. Dixon’s contract; will allow support for solvency plan

The Judson Board of Trustees voted 5 to 2 to limit further extension of financial advisor Dr. Dixon’s contract while permitting her to support the district’s financial solvency plan and complete the remaining work under her current contract.

Trustee Macias moved originally to discontinue any expansion of Dr. Dixon’s scope of work; the motion was later reworded and restated in open session as a motion to "utilize the financial advisor to support our financial solvency plan and discontinue her service after her 20 day contract." Trustee Stanford seconded. After discussion and clarification about remaining contract days and how the consultant would be used, the motion passed 5-2.

The board’s discussion included competing views on the consultant’s value and cost. Several trustees praised Dr. Dixon for clarifying complex budget items and credited the consultant’s work with helping the board reach unanimous votes on recent reductions. Other trustees expressed concerns about cost, scope of work and the consultant’s absence from day-to-day implementation.

Board members discussed the consultant’s compensation and contract length during the meeting. Participants cited a current total paid figure of approximately $20,000–$23,000 for the contract and described the original engagement as a 20-day contract; members disputed how many days remained (estimates in discussion ranged from three to five days). Several trustees argued that administration should lead implementation and that Dr. Dixon should be available only by request to assist with the solvency plan.

The board’s vote leaves Dr. Dixon available to finish the contract days already authorized and to assist the superintendent and administration on the solvency plan as the board finalizes its direction; the motion prohibits further extension of the consultant’s service without separate board approval.