Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board approves Gotham Artists contract for Kevin Elko despite objections about fee (3–2)
Loading...
Summary
Trustees approved a contract with Gotham Artists to bring keynote Kevin Elko to the district after a brief but pointed debate over the contractor’s fee and scope; the motion passed 3–2 after one board member called the cost "a little high."
The Monongalia County Board of Education voted 3–2 April 14 to approve a contract with Gotham Artists for a Kevin Elko keynote after trustees debated whether the fee matched the short presentation window outlined in the contract.
Board member concerns: One board member questioned the total compensation and said it "seems a little high considering our presenters from last year included all their expenses into their total," adding that the proposed engagement is "not even doing half day with us." That member pressed staff on whether the cost reflected travel, prep and limited on-site time.
Support for the contract: A member who had experience with the presenter said the arrangement and fee matched recent similar engagements and noted prior presentations by the same company were comparable. The superintendent and board supporters said the contract is consistent with prior engagements and includes travel and prep in the total compensation.
Outcome and context: After debate, the board approved the contract on a 3–2 voice/hand‑vote tally recorded by the chair as "3 to 2." The superintendent said the contract’s terms and expected interaction time were included in the executive packet; board members asked that staff ensure the contract language reflects the agreed scope of work and expectations for audience interaction.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the contract with Gotham Artists and proceed with logistics; board members asked for clarity on total compensation and any additional expenses before the event.
