Octorara board approves short-term interim principal contract with Devopar Consulting in 7-2 vote

The Octorara Area School District Board of School Directors voted 7-2 to approve a scope of services with Devopar Consulting to provide interim principal duties at the district's intermediate school effective March 1 through June 30, 2025.

Board members debated the contract's cost and whether existing administrators could cover the building instead of hiring an outside interim. The consultant's daily rate was clarified in the meeting as $728 per day after an initial misstatement of a higher figure. Board members estimated the hire could run "into the mid-sixties" of thousands of dollars depending on the number of days the consultant is on site; another board member described a lower-end estimate of about $43,000 if the consultant worked fewer days.

Supporters said the interim would provide consistent day-to-day leadership in the intermediate building without removing principals from their own schools. Opponents argued the short duration of coverage made the cost disproportionate and that district administrators or existing non-building administrative positions could absorb duties with less expense. One board member said, "I'm going to be a no vote on this" and explained they believed current staff could cover the short-term need; another said keeping a dedicated person in the building would preserve consistency and continuity.

After discussion the motion passed by roll call, seven in favor and two opposed. The contract term in the approved motion is March 1 through June 30, 2025.

The board recorded for the public that the contract is primarily for interim principal duties and that other consulting services mentioned in Devopar's materials (charter-school recapture, capacity planning) were not included in the approved scope. The board asked administration to confirm the final number of days the consultant will work and to report back on actual costs.

Outcome details from the meeting: - Approved: scope of services with Devopar Consulting for interim principal duties, effective 03/01/2025 through 06/30/2025. - Approved vote tally: Yes 7, No 2. - Stated daily rate in the meeting: $728 per day; estimated total cost discussed during debate ranged roughly from about $43,000 to the mid-$60,000s depending on days worked.

The board directed administration to continue planning for continuity in the building and to report final costs once the consultant's schedule is set.