School Board OKs Two‑Year Renewal of Rita Solnit Contract After Heated Debate Over Evaluation Language and Cost

The School Board of Palm Beach County voted 6‑1 to approve a two‑year amendment to the contract with legislative consultant Rita Solnit, renewing her engagement at $50,000 a year.

Board member Gloria Branch objected, saying the contract’s evaluation language and the district’s budget pressures made the renewal inappropriate. "I cannot approve a 2 year contract for $50,000 per year consultant, so that's a hundred thousand dollars over 2 years," Branch said during the item.

Superintendent Michael Burke told the board the amendment renews an existing arrangement and offered to return later with revised language addressing how Solnit would be evaluated. "We can create a tool that is based on responsiveness ... communication," Burke said, describing a qualitative approach he would propose. Other board members said Solnit has been a visible, on‑the‑ground advocate for the district in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., and urged approval to avoid interrupting ongoing legislative work.

After debate and a failed motion to require immediate contract language changes, the board approved the amendment 6‑1, with Branch opposed. The superintendent said he will work with legal staff and the consultant on a follow‑up amendment to clarify evaluation procedures and return to the board at a later date.

Details the board recorded: the amendment extends an existing consultant contract for two years at $50,000 per year and does not change other terms now; the board directed the superintendent to prepare proposed evaluation language for future consideration.

Board members and the superintendent said staff will bring a proposed evaluation instrument later to align expectations across district lobbying contracts.