Communications committee recommends pausing Kaylin Communications contract while district builds internal capacity

Trustees heard a recommendation from a district communications committee to pause the Kaylin Communications contract for the coming school year while the board and administration determine internal ownership of expanded communications duties.

Committee members said the vendor did important foundational work—identifying gaps, creating tools and software to map website issues and communications channels—but the district must decide who will permanently own the new processes. The committee recommended pausing the full contract, supporting the district's internal lead (referred to in the meeting as Charles) to absorb the ongoing work where feasible, and retaining select deliverables.

Kaylin Communications (the vendor named in the record) reportedly offered to extend services through Oct. 1 to complete a set of deliverables (communication guidelines and initial tools) and to remain available as a reference resource. Committee members said the engagement uncovered substantial foundational needs and recommended the district focus on recalibration and internal capacity rather than continuing the full external contract for the next school year.

Board discussion emphasized the committee's many hours of review and that the vendor would not be left on a "sour note"; representatives said some monthly data and software outputs could continue to be provided. Trustees directed committee and administration to work through nonnegotiables and next steps.

Next steps: committee and administration to define nonnegotiables for future engagement and determine what deliverables the district will retain or adopt internally; the vendor offered an Oct. 1 extension to complete outstanding items.