Parent asks board for accounting of consultant spending and role of 'Don't Ever Stop' firm

At the July 16 meeting a parent, Sharel O’Driscoll, told the board she has records showing the district paid the consulting firm Don't Ever Stop $106,000 since January 2025 and nearly $600,000 since 2022. She asked trustees to detail what the consulting firm is recommending, how long the district will keep the firm engaged and what measurable outcomes justify the expense. O’Driscoll quoted prior responses from district staff that described the consultants’ work as “professional development and support” consistent with state guidelines and “mentoring our leadership.” She asked trustees to “please follow-up when people ask questions,” and said the public deserves accountability for large consulting expenditures. Board members acknowledged the comment during the public-comment period and said written correspondence and prior responses are available on the agenda. Trustees did not take a formal motion at the meeting to alter the district’s consulting arrangements but indicated the concern would be part of ongoing oversight and correspondence. Why it matters: Consulting contracts and the use of outside firms are public expenditures funded by taxpayer dollars. Community members asked for clarity on the firm’s recommendations and how the work is measured. The board did not announce any immediate change to the district’s consulting contracts at the meeting.