Board tentatively backs HYA for strategic plan but defers contract amid budget uncertainty

At the Feb. 24 Cornwall Central School District Board of Education meeting, members reported that an internal review of proposals for a district strategic plan yielded a recommendation to use Hazard, Young, Attea (HYA). The board’s ad hoc review group said HYA’s experience with similar suburban metro-area districts and its proposed implementation dashboard distinguished the firm in the scoring process.

Board members emphasized that the board did not vote to authorize a contract at the meeting. The administration and a five-member subcommittee described a multi-stage selection: the district sent an RFP in the fall, received seven or eight proposals, narrowed that pool to three finalists and then recommended HYA. The price discussion in public comments showed two figures discussed in the meeting: a base proposal around $29,000 and an additional dashboard and bells-and-whistles package that brought the total to “about $45,000, give or take,” board members said.

Opposition and caution centered on timing and accountability. Board member Tiffany asked how the board would ensure implementation and follow-through if the district purchased an outside plan. Board member Christine replied that the recommended vendor’s proposal includes an implementation dashboard, which would provide public, ongoing updates on progress and commitments. “There is a dashboard that gives updates on the progress and the commitment and the things that are implemented,” Christine said.

Several board members who participated in the vendor review said cost was a key factor in the selection: one finalist’s price was substantially higher and was therefore eliminated. Supporters said HYA’s local experience and the proposed dashboard made the firm a good fit for Cornwall; critics said the board should wait until the budget picture — including the roughly $322,000 shortfall the administration presented the same night — is clearer before approving new spending.

The board took an informal straw poll on whether members endorsed HYA as the preferred provider if the district proceeds. The majority of board members raised hands in favor; no formal contract award or vote was made. Administrators confirmed the project was not currently funded in the 2024–25 budget and that any contract would be considered later when timing is appropriate.

What this means: The board’s work plan to pursue a strategic plan remains active, with HYA recommended by the review team; however, the board deferred an actual contract award pending timing and budget clarity. If the board approves a contract later, the vendor’s dashboard feature is intended to provide public accountability for implementation milestones.

Ending: Board members said they would revisit the vendor engagement at a later date, after budget priorities are clearer and as the administration returns with revised budget options for 2025–26.