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Beloit board deadlocks 3–3 on proposal to extend paid consulting arrangement; private funding plan discussed
Summary
A proposal to extend the board’s paid consulting agreement with Dr. Kim Earhart through June 30, 2025 failed on a 3–3 roll‑call vote after divided board discussion about roles, scope and use of private funds to cover consultant expenses.
The Beloit School Board considered and then rejected a motion to extend a consulting engagement with Dr. Kim Earhart, a former superintendent and Studer framework consultant, after divided discussion about scope, board‑vs‑administration roles and use of private funds.
Board president Tia Johnson explained the initial two‑month arrangement with Dr. Earhart had been voluntary but included reimbursement for mileage and modest incidental expenses; she said the president had asked Dr. Earhart to support the board’s work in several areas. Dr. Earhart described his discovery work over the prior 60 days, saying he had attended meetings, conducted interviews, compiled feedback from a table‑talk community meeting and worked on materials to help the board consider changes to narrative and strategy around a district “journey to excellence.”
Board members split on whether to accept continued consulting help. Supporters said the district faces a “perfect storm” of fiscal pressure, low state report card outcomes and declining enrollments and argued outside expertise could accelerate needed improvements. Opponents argued the board should not contract a consultant directly for functions that are operationally in the superintendent’s lane, and some members raised process concerns about prior postings and the need for competitive procurement.
A motion by Board Member Brian Nichols to extend Dr. Earhart’s board consultant contract through June 30, 2025 failed on a 3–3 roll call: Ayes — Brian Nichols, Tom Hankins and Tia Johnson; Nays — Greg Schneider, Amy Levy and Megan Miller. The board had earlier discussed that Dr. Earhart’s fee for the extension would be privately funded and that the district would continue to cover mileage and provide office space if the board approved an extension.
Dr. Earhart told the board his proposed work would be coaching, board development and advising on strategic priorities; he said operational activities (curriculum audits, large‑scale professional development) would be separate and could be funded through grants if requested by administration.
