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Board splits over $25,000 marketing contract; superintendent cites improved communications
Summary
The superintendent proposed renewing a year‑to‑year communications contract with a local firm to improve crisis management and public engagement. Board members praised better outreach but split over the $25,000 cost and sought options for a smaller retainer focused on crisis response.
The South Range Local Board of Education debated whether to renew a year‑to‑year communications contract with a local marketing firm intended to improve community outreach and crisis management.
Superintendent (speaker 2) recommended continuing the district’s relationship with the firm, saying the company provided emergency communications support, video, and measurable increases in engagement. “I can’t say enough about the service of caseware,” the superintendent told the board, citing higher engagement metrics and the firm’s ability to handle crisis statements and coordinated messaging.
Board discussion highlighted a split: some members said the district has received value and better crisis handling since using the firm, while others said the $25,000 price tag is a stewardship concern and asked whether a smaller retainer or a scaled set of services could meet the district’s core needs.
One board member suggested a hybrid approach — a retainer for crisis management and on‑demand services for other communications — while another urged exploring partial support through the district foundation or internal staffing. Supporters argued the contract centralizes communications and frees administrators to manage crises; critics questioned whether the funds would be better spent directly on instructional resources.
The board moved to a roll‑call vote on the proposed contract. Members recorded mixed votes and discussed seeking a renegotiated scope that would isolate critical crisis‑management services for a lower fee in future procurements. The transcript shows a roll‑call exchange and continuing interest among board members in a middle ground between no outside support and the current full contract.
What happens next: Board members expressed interest in identifying the district’s most critical communications needs and creating a prioritized list of services for negotiation, while the superintendent indicated the current recommendation would cover next year if approved.
(Reporting note: the meeting transcript records extensive discussion; the board conducted a roll‑call on the motion and the public record indicates both support and opposition among members.)
