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Oakland Unified board postpones amendment to HYA fiscal advisory contract after questions on oversight and communications
Summary
The Oakland Unified School Board postponed consideration of an amendment to Hazard Young Attea and Associates' fiscal advisory contract until April 22 after members pressed for clearer oversight, a communications plan and clarity about who will carry out CBO responsibilities; a public speaker called the contract “sloppy and unrestrained.”
The Oakland Unified School Board postponed action on an amendment to its fiscal-advisory services agreement with Hazard Young Attea and Associates (HYA) after board members raised questions about oversight, public communications and the district’s chief business officer (CBO) responsibilities.
A presenter who described close work with HYA told the board the firm’s continued involvement would be "absolutely critical" to fiscal stabilization, bond confidence and completing the budget process for June. The presenter said HYA’s work had helped build confidence among funders and recommended amending the current agreement to allow the firm to continue supporting the district.
Several board members asked for more clarity before extending the contract. "For me, the biggest thing...has got to be a plan to communicate what we're doing," said President Pearlhart, urging a common narrative for the board to present to the community. Director Berry asked for a preview of a plan to fill the CBO role and to clarify operational responsibilities before additional resources are committed.
During public comment, Carol Dalton criticized the district’s use of consultants and described the proposed HYA amendment as "sloppy and unrestrained." Dalton said she would accept extending HYA through the end of the year only if the firm provided a specific work plan, reported to the CFO and superintendent, accounted for work completed to date and improved public communication.
After discussion the board voted to postpone further consideration of the amendment to the April 22 meeting. The motion to postpone was moved by President Pearlhart and seconded by Vice President Bachelor and adopted on roll call. Director Hutchinson and student representatives were recorded absent.
Board members asked staff to prepare clearer documentation of the proposed scope of work, explain how HYA would report to district leadership, and provide a communications plan before the item returns for consideration.
The board’s action leaves the current agreement in place while staff prepare the requested clarifications for the April 22 meeting.
