Board approves renewed $180,000 Ballard Partners federal contract after amendment to include Dane Eagle

The Lee County School Board voted Feb. 10 to renew a one-year federal legislative-services contract with Ballard Partners Inc., estimated at $180,000 for the term 03/05/2026–03/05/2027, and approved an amendment to allow Dane Eagle to participate in federal lobbying work.

Superintendent Doctor Carlin presented the recommended renewal. Board member Mr. Fisher moved first to amend the contract so that Mister Dane Eagle would not be excluded from federal lobbying work; that amendment passed by roll call, six in favor and one opposed (Miss Jordan). The full amended contract was then approved by the same 6–1 margin.

Supporters of the amendment said the change would not increase the contract cost and argued Eagle’s Tallahassee and federal contacts would benefit the district’s ability to pursue grants and approvals. One board member said the firm’s work had directly saved the district substantial costs, including an assertion from the chair that Ballard’s intervention likely saved the district an estimated $10 million on a school project, an example offered to illustrate return on investment.

Opponents questioned whether the district should spend $180,000 in federal lobbying without clearer, quantifiable returns and whether the district already had sufficient representation. Miss Jordan said she could not support the expenditure until she had seen more evidence that the funds return value into classrooms.

The amendment language and roll-call votes were recorded during the meeting. The board did not specify additional oversight language tied to measurable deliverables in the motion; the motion authorized the superintendent to execute related documents.