Board authorizes publication of unsolicited Barry University proposal after extended debate; board members call for workshop and guardrails

The School Board on July 23 authorized the superintendent to publish an unsolicited proposal from Barry University and begin formal discussions, after a lengthy debate about policy, procurement and the district’s role in privately operated schools.

Board member Danny Espino urged caution and asked for clear policy defining what the board means by “educational enterprise,” saying the district lacked guidance on whether it should entertain private or religiously affiliated schools as partners. “We don’t have a policy,” Espino said, and “I would not have included the development of private schools in that definition, so far.”

Nut graf: The vote permits staff to start a public process, but board members pressed for stronger guardrails and a workshop so the full board can set criteria before any comprehensive agreement is negotiated or approved.

Board members supporting the step said they wanted to open conversations with potential partners and to learn whether district assets could be used to expand educational opportunities while also generating revenue to support public schools. Board member Robert Alonzo said the item was meant to “start the conversation” and to give the district more options for underused facilities.

Superintendent Dr. Jose Deltras told the board any final deal would return to the full board for approval. “The critical element is the board being involved in a final approval of a project of this nature,” he said.

Several board members requested that the item include an explicit requirement that any resulting agreement be presented at a subsequent public meeting for board approval; the chair added a friendly amendment to that effect during committee and emphasized the board’s final approval role.

The motion to approve the publication of the unsolicited proposal carried after discussion. Several board members asked the chair to schedule a workshop to define the district’s policy on educational enterprises, procurement and the use of district facilities.

Ending: The board’s action allows the administration to solicit competing offers and collect more information. Board members said they expect further briefings and a workshop before any binding agreement would be presented for approval.