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Board debates independent ESC study versus one-time referendum poll; decides to return with more information
Summary
Board members discussed options for an ESC (EFC) study and referendum polling, weighing one-time phone polling (Morris Leatherman, estimated $26,000) against membership/three-year packages from vendors (Hanover, EAB, ERS). A motion to pursue a multi-year membership with EAB and polling was made, amended and then withdrawn; the board agreed to revisit vendor selection and polling at a special August meeting.
Administration laid out three related decisions for the board: whether to commission an Educational Support Center (ESC/EFC) study (headcount vs. effectiveness models), whether to pursue a multi-year membership with a consultant (options named: Hanover, EAB, ERS), and whether to run community polling ahead of any potential referendum.
The staff presented vendor options and rough costs: Hanover (membership-style offering, ~ $50,000 and the ability to run multiple studies), EAB (a more comprehensive three-year package quoted at roughly $602670,000 per year that can include strategic planning and implementation support), ERS (variable pricing), and a standalone referendum poll option presented by Morris Leatherman (estimated $26,000 for a phone-based poll using national polling standards).
Board members debated priorities: several favored doing a high-quality polling run promptly (Morris Leatherman was described as a true poll using phone methodology) to inform April election timing; others favored a membership-style relationship with a vendor to combine polling, an ESC study, and strategic-planning supports. A motion to pursue an EAB membership including a community poll was made; after discussion and a proposed friendly amendment to postpone the vote until a special meeting with vendors available, the motion was withdrawn with the understanding the item will be returned for formal action in August with vendor materials and draft polling language.
Dr. Weiss cautioned the board to define criteria for what they want from any ESC study before authorizing one: headcount comparisons alone may not yield actionable results, while an effectiveness study requires a longer, costlier commitment but can include strategic planning supports.
Speakers quoted: Dr. Weiss; board members; administration.
