Board renews Donovan Group contract for communications amid questions about in‑state coverage

The Blaine County School District Board of Trustees on July 15 approved a one‑year continuation of the contract with the Donovan Group to provide website, social media, video and communications support. Superintendent Fauci said the Donovan Group has supported the district for five years on tasks including website maintenance, student and district handbooks, and social-media management. He said the contract cost remained roughly steady from its inception but includes a small increase this year. Trustee Christy Turner asked whether the district is getting good value compared with an in‑house communications department. Fauci said the Donovan Group cost is significantly lower than the former in‑house department — which had been budgeted at about $250,000 — while the contract costs about $40,000; he added the outside firm brings a team of specialists rather than a single in‑house communicator. Board members expressed concerns about the vendor being out of state and the extra initiative required by district staff to gather content. Fauci and trustees said they plan to task the communications committee with reviewing district needs and whether the contracted approach is the most cost-effective way to deliver services. The board moved to approve the contract; the motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote: “All those in favor, signify by saying aye... Motion carries.”