Skokie SD 68 moves to hire vendor for multi-year strategic-planning support at $79,990

The Skokie SD 68 board considered administration's recommendation to contract with a strategic-planning vendor to guide the district's next multi-year plan and implementation.

Administration presented bids received and recommended the vendor listed in its packet (appearing as both "Studer" and as "Student Education" in materials). The superintendent told the board the recommended engagement emphasizes implementation and continuity: "This is a 5 year plan. So this would be something that we would have with us for the next 3 to 5 years with this program involved for at least the 1st 2," the superintendent said. Administration described a phased approach with intensive outreach, surveys, focus groups and an environmental scan tied to the district audit.

Board members asked about sample surveys, reference districts and how the vendor would maintain survey quality and broad multilingual outreach. The vendor model discussed would include on-site strategy sessions, three annual survey rollouts, online coaching and an implementation 'scorecard' for monitoring progress. The superintendent said the firm offered flexibility on timing and sample sizes and that administration would follow up with details about reference checks and survey methodology.

A motion was made to approve strategic-planning services in the amount of $79,990; board discussion emphasized starting with a robust outreach phase and reserving board approval for any later budget increases or year-two fees. The motion was moved and seconded; administration indicated it would return with a refined timeline and additional vendor references before full implementation began.