Hardee County school board hears outside advice on hiring lobbyist to pursue state facility funds

Hardee County School Board members spent a workshop hearing from outside advisers about whether to retain a lobbyist to pursue state special‑facilities and other project funding.

Claire Cornell opened the Aug. 20 workshop and said the board invited two presenters: Chris Doolin, who consults with small and rural districts, and Dixie County School Board member Cheryl Pridgen. Both made the case that a lobbyist can materially improve a small district’s chances of securing large, special‑project appropriations from the state.

Cheryl Pridgen described Dixie County’s experience hiring a lobbying firm when the district pursued a new high school. Pridgen said the district negotiated down an initial fee and now pays roughly $50,000 a year; she summarized the results: "A thousand percent. It's money well spent," and added that her district secured multiple special‑project awards after retaining a lobbyist. Pridgen advised boards to check a lobbyist’s track record on similar projects and to talk with previous clients before hiring.

Chris Doolin laid out the…