Three-year $400-an-hour consulting agreement passes over cost objections

What happened

The board approved a three-year HYA agreement for capital-program management, strategic facilities planning, capital finance and administrative support at $400 per hour plus printing reimbursement. The general-fund agreement passed 3–2. Trustees Anthony Stafford and Jamie Anaya voted no. No total spending cap was spoken in the recording.

Why it matters to families

The contract adds potential general-fund costs while trustees are considering long-term deficits and a facilities bond. Its hourly rate does not establish an annual bill without authorized hours or a written ceiling.

The evidence

Stafford argued the work duplicated existing services and questioned the rate and timing. The superintendent said the item was placed at the board president’s direction rather than as a cabinet recommendation. Campos, Hall and Garcia voted yes; the meeting did not establish wrongdoing by the vendor.

The source