Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Referendum Communications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves continuing with Hadley for 2026 referendum communications
Summary
After reviewing three RFP responses, the superintendent recommended Hadley based on prior experience; the board voted unanimously to continue with Hadley for communications planning related to the 2026 referendum.
The Board of Education voted to continue working with Hadley for communications planning around a potential 2026 referendum.
Dr. Garrison told the board the district received three proposals in response to a communications RFP: Donovan Group, Elations and Hadley. He said proposals included both short-term referendum counseling and options for continued engagement into an operational and/or capital referendum cycle. Dr. Garrison recommended Hadley, the district’s previous communications partner, citing Hadley’s familiarity with district operations, the board’s priorities and the practical advantages of a smaller, more-personal firm.
Dr. Garrison summarized the cost comparisons presented in BoardDocs: Donovan Group proposals totaled roughly $40,000 for the initial engagement with an additional $21,000 if the district separated questions or continued; Elations’ bid was in a similar range; Hadley proposed a $58,000 engagement for the season with a quoted continuation rate (a flat monthly support option) of about $5,350 per month. Dr. Garrison said the proposals spelled out options for an operational question and for a subsequent capital question if the board pursued both.
Board member Amy Levy moved to continue with Hadley for 2026 referendum planning, Brian Nichols seconded, and the board approved the motion unanimously. Dr. Garrison said Hadley’s familiarity with district work and the ability to begin earlier in the planning cycle were reasons for the recommendation.
