Board agrees to pursue paid contract with Assist Education to rewrite strategic plan

The Santiam Canyon School District board agreed Aug. 12 to move forward with a contract proposal from Assist Education to lead a district strategic-planning process and community engagement. Superintendent Krista said she would finalize an agreement with the consultant, after the board discussed scope, timeline and budget.

Kyle of Assist Education told the board his team tailors plans to each district and centers community input. “We work with districts to actually create one that fits your particular District in your community,” he said, describing a process that uses focus groups, surveys and data to produce measurable outcomes and reporting for the board.

Board members pressed on cost. Kyle described a typical structure that can include a monthly retainer (example $1,400 covering an initial four hours) and noted not-to-exceed contract figures the firm has used; board members cited sample hourly ranges discussed in the presentation ($125–$170/hour) and an illustrated not-to-exceed cap. Superintendent Krista said district purchasing rules allow her to sign contracts under $150,000 and that the board had wildfire-recovery funds available to cover strategic-planning work if they chose.

Supporters said professional facilitation would help a new board set measurable goals and align budget to outcomes; some members asked that staff shop for options. The board asked the superintendent to finalize contract details with Assist Education and begin recruiting a diverse planning committee from communities across the district.

The superintendent said next steps will include outreach to community leaders for the steering committee and scheduling initial planning meetings pending a signed agreement.