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Board adopts resolution allowing contract with former board member for HR services under state conflict-of-interest statute
Summary
The board adopted a written resolution and approved a contract with Back to Basics Consulting LLC (Dr. Nicole McGinnis) to provide professional human resources services under an exemption in North Carolina law; the contract includes a statutory disclosure and a $90/hour, 40-hour/month cap referenced in the draft.
The Caswell County Board of Education approved a resolution authorizing a professional services contract with Back to Basics Consulting LLC, a firm associated with Dr. Nicole McGinnis, to provide human resources consulting to the district. The board considered the statutory requirements for contracting with a service associated with a board member and adopted the resolution required under North Carolina General Statutes (the transcript cites the general rule and the board read a resolution referencing the statute as the basis for a non'competitive professional services exemption).
The resolution recited that the provider has relevant qualifications and that the board finds contracting for professional human resources services to be in the district's best interest. The resolution states that Dr. McGinnis (identified in the transcript as a board member and the consultant) would recuse herself from discussion and votes involving her firm and that the total annual payments under the contract would not exceed the statutory threshold referenced in the resolution (the resolution language included a $60,000-per-12-month limit as quoted from the statute). The draft contract in the packet described an hourly rate ($90/hour) and a 40-hour-per-month cap for some months; board members asked staff to confirm the monthly and total math in the contract and noted the statute'driven limit.
Board members moved and seconded the resolution and contract authorization in open session. The motion carried on a voice vote; Dr. McGinnis was recorded in the transcript as recusing herself from related deliberations.
Ending: Board authorized the superintendent and staff to finalize the contract within the terms presented, consistent with the board'adopted resolution and the statutory process for contracting with a board-affiliated professional service provider. Staff said they would return future contract details and schedules as needed and ensure the contract does not exceed the statutory limit without further board approval.
