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Board approves short‑term communications contract amid debate over staffing and outreach
Summary
The board approved a time‑limited contract extension for outside communications support (Dr. Tammy Schiff/Grey Matters) while the district's communications director is on leave; trustees discussed scope, local sourcing and public criticism of the board's handling of communications staff.
The Laguna Beach Unified School District board on Oct. 23 approved a temporary contract to extend outside communications support while the district communications director is on extended leave. Superintendent Jason Glass and staff said the work is time‑limited, focused on publications and a review of communications practices, and is not intended to replace an embedded, permanent communications professional.
"This is temporary in nature, and time limited," Glass said when describing the vendor engagement and the need for an experienced practitioner to meet urgent deadlines. He and staff highlighted product support for the district's recent "It's a Wrap" publication and outreach around the hundred‑day report.
Public comment included a sharply worded critique of the board's treatment of the communications director. A public speaker (speaker 6) told trustees: "This contract would be totally unnecessary if the board majority had stayed in its lane. Your dismissive treatment of our director of communications is shameful." The comment followed earlier trustee discussion about balancing local vendor preference with the need for an experienced, quickly available contractor.
During board discussion several trustees emphasized a preference for local providers when feasible and welcomed a written review of communications practices from the contractor. The board approved the item on a voice vote with recorded opposition noted; the motion was seconded and the item passed.
What happens next: staff will receive a short review of communications practices and continue to pursue a local, embedded communications solution when feasible.
