Board approves first readings of policies on external reporting and selection of design professionals

The Orange County Board of Education voted Jan. 13 to approve the first readings of two district policies: Policy 5150, consolidating staff reporting to external agencies, and Policy 9110, governing use and selection of architects, engineers and construction managers at-risk.

Board member Melissa Smiley said she had suggested edits in advance and asked the board to clarify how the policies would treat different project delivery methods and selection criteria. "Adding design-build firms to the title would make sure it covered all the different project delivery methods," Smiley said, and she urged adding selection criteria that include "evidence of meeting performance goals, including energy goals when relevant."

Frederick Davis, director of operations, told the board that state statute primarily governs selection of architects and engineers and that the district can add design-build as a delivery option later through a separate bond-related resolution. "This policy doesn't preclude us from going with the design-build," Davis said, and he said staff will include performative measures in requests for qualifications (RFQs). Davis also said the superintendent already has discretion to consider additional factors when evaluating firms.

Board discussion also covered the drafting approach for 5150. School staff and the district had asked for a single policy that consolidates reporting requirements so employees can find obligations in one place rather than checking multiple cross-referenced rules. Supt. Jerry Jones warned that consolidating references creates an updating obligation: "We can't then miss new additions," he said, urging attention to maintaining cross-references.

The board voted in favor of both first readings; the vote was taken by voice and individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the meeting minutes.