Board approves one-year high-school photography agreement after tied vote to table fails

The board debated a one-year photography services agreement for the high school (agenda item 13g) at its Jan. 27 meeting after community feedback raised concerns about cost, appointment availability and image quality. Board member Graff moved to table the item to allow time to solicit competitive bids; the motion to table was seconded but the board vote tied 4–4 and the motion to table failed.

Board members discussed the principal's recommendation to continue with the provider and whether delaying would harm yearbook production or other timelines. The superintendent said he would work with the high school principal to outline potential operational impacts if the contract were delayed, and administration noted that delaying for a month would likely allow time to gather competitive-bid information.

The board then proceeded to a roll-call vote on the motion to approve the one-year agreement with Katie for photography services. The motion passed 7–1; board member Graff voted no. After the vote the administration committed to gather information on the timeline for competitive bids and to report back to the board if the item is revisited.

"If in fact the agreement is not approved here this evening, I will work with the high school principal to outline what the challenges are associated with not approving an agreement," the superintendent said. The contract will remain a point of interest for some board members and members of the public who asked that the administration seek bid comparisons and clarify timelines and service availability.