Approve Letter of Engagement with HBEC Group, Inc. for Professional Services Related to School Board Government Relations (Government Relations)

The next 12 months may bring many changes to school districts in Florida. The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission has completed its work and there will be constitutional amendments before the voters in November that will impact education. Florida’s legislative leadership will be changing with a new President of the Senate and Speaker of the House being selected in November.

The School Board was successful in addressing the challenges that occurred during the past 12 months and was proactive in assessing the state of the economy and in implementing measures to meet those challenges. To continue the Board’s proactive approach to the challenges ahead, the district must assess the possible impact of the constitutional amendments and the economic forecast as we begin planning for the 2009-2010 school year.

In August 2007, Hillsborough County Public Schools entered into an agreement with HBEC Group, Inc. for professional services related to government relations. Services were for the period of September 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. HBEC Group, Inc. provided assistance to your government relations program by participating in and reporting on committee meetings, special legislative sessions, regular legislative session, and various commission and agency meetings. In addition, the firm provided daily session updates and one-on-one assistance to staff and Board members as needed.

It is recommended that HBEC Group, Inc. again be engaged to provide service to Hillsborough County Public Schools. The firm has agreed to provide an additional two months of service to the Board at last year’s compensation level of $65,000. Services from the firm would begin July 1, 2008. This will allow immediate work to begin on analysis and planning for the constitutional amendments, budget, and legislative committee work in preparation for the 2009 Legislative session and continue to provide one-on-one assistance to the Board and staff on request.

The HBEC Group, Inc. is uniquely familiar with the programs, policies, and budget for Hillsborough County Public Schools and is adept at analyzing the impact of any policy and law changes to our district. The services of the firm will be for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. During committee meetings, any special sessions, and the regular legislative session, the firm will provide on-site support in Tallahassee.

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For services rendered by HBEC Group, Inc., Hillsborough County Public Schools will be billed a total of $65,000 payable in eleven equal monthly installments of $5,416 from July 31, 2008 through May 31, 2009, and one monthly installment of $5,424 billed on June 30, 2009. HBEC Group, Inc. will assume responsibility for housing, meals, and travel costs associated with services provided.