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Board accepts $2M gift, renews marketing contract and approves temporary TLC staffing with Zen Educate
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved a $2 million donation from the El Segundo Education Foundation, renewed the Donovan Group communications contract, approved vendor contracts for fencing and food services, and authorized temporary staffing agreements (Zen Educate and Emergys) to meet upcoming TLC needs without raising family rates this year.
At the July 14 meeting the El Segundo Unified School District Board of Trustees approved multiple contracts, accepted significant donations and authorized temporary staffing measures to address childcare and special‑education staffing needs.
Gifts and grants: Vice President Wheaton read donations recommended for acceptance under Board Policy 3290, including a $2,000,000 district‑wide gift from the El Segundo Education Foundation, PTA donations (Richmond Street School PTA: $41,406.27; Center Street School PTA: $5,866.80), and community contributions including an $8,990 robotics donation to El Segundo High School. President Miller Zarnicki and trustees expressed gratitude, and the board approved acceptance unanimously.
Communications contract: Superintendent Dr. Johnson recommended renewing the district’s agreement with the Donovan Group, which provides the district’s marketing, social media and website services. Trustees praised the firm’s value and continuity; the renewal was approved (motion moved and seconded; motion carries 4–0).
Facilities and food service: Dr. Gooden recommended approval of a JR Universal proposal to install exterior fencing at Center Street School around a new sensory space, and presented a new food‑service vendor to replace Sodexo for the 2026–27 school year; both items passed unanimously.
Childcare and temporary staffing for TLC: Miss Veal presented a proposal to contract with Zen Educate for temporary staffing services to support the Learning Connection (TLC) and Eagle’s Nest Preschool. Trustees asked whether outsourcing would affect family rates and whether continuity of care would be compromised. Dr. Johnson said there is no intended rate increase for this year and described the arrangement as a temporary measure while the district continues to hire permanent staff. Miss Veal confirmed the vendor can provide long‑term substitutes when needed; trustees emphasized the district’s intent is not to outsource TLC permanently. The board approved the Zen Educate contract by unanimous vote.
Secondary staffing source and special‑education contracts: Trustees also approved a secondary health‑care staffing contract with Emergys (to be used similarly to Zen Educate) and master contracts with nonpublic agencies for special education: 1st Steps for behavior support, Kids in Motion for physical therapy, and The Help Group for specialized placements. During discussion of The Help Group contract staff clarified the item’s cost structure: the contract is a master agreement not to exceed $65,000 in a particular authorization, while a related total of $160,000 covers three students (as described in the presentation). Trustees voted to approve the contracts unanimously.
Votes at a glance: motions on the consent agenda, contract renewals (Donovan Group), coach contract (Joanne Culverhouse), personnel contract amendments, Zen Educate and Emergys staffing agreements, procurement items and nonpublic agency contracts all passed on 4–0 votes.
No trustees dissented on the items, and several asked staff to follow up with clarifications (for example, providing the board an exit‑survey report and confirming age coverage terms in the Emergys proposal).
