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Conestoga Valley board tables website-translation contract; weighs 5‑ vs. 10‑language proposals
Summary
The board discussed vendor options to replace Google Translate, which may be discontinued. Staff proposed a supported paid service for five languages (~$1,000/year plus startup) or 10 languages (~$4,500/year); members agreed to table action and requested formal proposals for both options.
District communications staff told the board that Google Translate currently provides free website translation but may be discontinued at an unknown date. A vendor proposal (presented as a third‑party “translate bot”) would replace the free service with a paid, supported option and help ensure ADA compliance.
Staff outlined options discussed with the vendor: a five‑language package with a startup fee (mentioned as $500) and roughly $1,000 per year thereafter, or a ten‑language package that was quoted in discussion at about $4,500 per year. Board members noted the district receives only a handful of repeat translation requests for some languages and discussed using free Google Translate until it ceases, then switching to a paid vendor. Advantages of a paid vendor included customer support, the ability to swap languages that are rarely used, and a supported, ADA‑compliant solution.
Board members asked for detailed written proposals for both five‑ and ten‑language options and agreed to table final approval until the next meeting so the board can compare costs and contract terms.
Next steps: staff will return with formal proposals for both a five‑language option and a ten‑language option, including startup fees and multi‑year terms, for board review.
