Board approves $70,000 ThoughtExchange renewal after debate over sole-source procurement
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Summary
The Bridgeport Board of Education voted Oct. 27 to renew its ThoughtExchange subscription (approx. $70,000) for a third year, with administration saying the tool aids open-ended community engagement. Several board members urged a broader competitive procurement for future renewals.
The Bridgeport Board of Education voted Oct. 27 to renew a ThoughtExchange subscription, a community-engagement platform the district has used for two years. Interim Superintendent Dr. Reid recommended renewal and said the service costs approximately $70,000 and is funded from the district’s operations budget.
Dr. Reid told the board ThoughtExchange provides open-ended input, summarizes voluminous responses and segments feedback by groups such as parents, students and staff. "This will be another opportunity for us to utilize that those services of Thought Exchange to really dive deeper into the transparency piece for our community," he said.
Board members debated the procurement method. Administrators previously used a sole-source procurement when first contracting ThoughtExchange; several board members said that does not preclude conducting a broader request-for-proposals process in the future. "Just because we can go sole source doesn't mean we should go sole source," said one board member, urging a wider solicitation to identify alternatives.
Supporters of renewal noted increased use and usefulness over the last two years and said the district could continue to benefit from the platform while evaluating procurement options next cycle. The motion to renew was moved by Mr. Traver, seconded by Mr. Sikalovic, and passed.