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Brookfield subcommittee recommends switching to Shipman & Goodwin for policy services
Summary
The Brookfield Policy and Communications Subcommittee unanimously voted July 17 to recommend that the Board adopt Shipman & Goodwin policy services; members cited an initial $4,000 startup cost and projected annual savings compared with the district's $3,800 CABE subscription.
The Brookfield School District Policy and Communications Subcommittee voted unanimously July 17 to recommend that the Board adopt policy services from the law firm Shipman & Goodwin.
The recommendation followed a discussion of costs and service terms. Stephanie Sikora, serving as acting chair, nominated herself for subcommittee chair and then led discussion comparing the district’s current subscription with CABE to the superintendent-recommended Shipman & Goodwin option. The district’s 2024–25 budget includes $3,800 for CABE subscription services; Shipman & Goodwin would require a one-time initial cost of $4,000 — an initial increase of $200 — and then an annual cost of $1,500 in subsequent years, which the subcommittee noted would reduce ongoing expenses.
Why it matters: the subcommittee framed the vote as a recommendation to the full Board, not a final procurement decision. The subcommittee’s action moves the matter to the Board for a formal vote and any contract approval; the subcommittee tabled all other new business items pending the Board’s decision.
Minutes actions and votes: Stephanie Sikora nominated herself for subcommittee chair following the resignation of Hala Hourani; Joy Greenstein seconded the nomination and the subcommittee voted unanimously to appoint Sikora as chair effective immediately. The subcommittee also moved to approve the May 22, 2024 meeting minutes (motion by Sikora; second by Greenstein) and approved them unanimously.
Communications updates: Dr. John Barile reported that the district plans a July rollout of a new website via ParentSquare with a full switch at the start of the school year. He also said principals have received a climate survey and will present findings to the Board at a later date. Dr. Barile announced a ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony for CLES scheduled for Sept. 12 and said public tours will be organized.
Public comment: Irene Corea spoke during public comment urging review and updating of district policies and referenced CABE in her remarks.
What’s next: the subcommittee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the full Board for consideration and any subsequent contracting or budget adjustments. The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
