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FSUS board launches strategic-plan process, seeks consultant and procurement clarity
Summary
Board members urged a fast-track strategic plan to guide growth and use of nearby land; staff was directed to draft procurement options and a recommendation, with consultant cost estimates of $10,000–$20,000 under consideration.
Board members pressed for a strategic plan to guide potential growth at FSUS and to determine how the school should use property adjacent to the campus.
"FSUS is in its golden era from an academic and an athletic perspective, and that allows us to grow if we so choose," said Dr. Davis, a board member who led an extended discussion urging a near-term, consultant-assisted strategic plan. Board members debated timelines and processes: some advocated for a concise three-month draft with completion in six months; others recommended allowing consultant proposals to determine schedule. Several directors emphasized the need for a professional facilitator rather than relying solely on board work.
Board members and staff discussed procurement mechanics and public engagement. "There's a defined procurement process for Canvas that we need to go through in order to identify a firm," said Lindsay Grooms, associate director with University Business Affairs at Florida State, referring to the formal procurement steps staff will follow. Legal counsel noted there are procurement statutes and some statutory flexibility for professional services that are not purely price-based, but staff said it will confirm whether an RFP is required.
Cost estimates cited during discussion ranged from about $10,000 to $20,000 depending on scope; board members said that figure is not currently budgeted and that a clear funding source must be identified before contracting. Directors also flagged the need to include staff, families and public hearings in the planning process so the final plan reflects community input.
The board voted to direct staff to prepare a recommendation and procurement plan, including estimated costs and a suggested timeline, for consideration at the board’s March meeting (moved to March 21). Staff will return with recommended procurement language and an agenda item the board can act upon.
Board members said the plan would be used to evaluate whether the school should expand enrollment, what to do with the adjacent parcel, and capital priorities for the current campus, and several members signaled the work should be a top board priority.
