Board renews Varsity Tutors contract for one year and fills short-term committee vacancies

The Polk County School Board on Sept. 30 approved a one-year renewal of the district’s contract with Varsity Tutors, moved to a performance-based contract model and retained the option to extend for two additional years. At the same meeting the board filled several short-term committee liaison and alternate vacancies.

Superintendent Hyde clarified the renewal is for one year with options for two additional years and that the contract has been converted to a performance-based structure rather than a simple per-license payment. “Those renewals are not guaranteed nor are they automated,” Hyde said, noting the district will evaluate performance before exercising options.

Supporters and board members described the program as contributing to student outcomes. Board member Sharpless said the program “has made an impact” and helped the district reach its B grade; Sharpless said he wants future approvals for optional years to occur earlier in the summer so services can start at the school year’s outset if metrics are met.

A teacher-union officer raised cost questions during public comment. Kat Nickel, speaking as a union officer, said trustees were considering projected costs she described as about $2.5 million for the current year and higher amounts in later years; the superintendent said this year’s cost is reduced from prior years and that future figures in agenda materials did not incorporate performance-based adjustments. The district did not provide a dollar figure in the meeting minutes during discussion.

Motion and vote: Board member Sharpless moved to approve the Varsity Tutors renewal; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Committee appointments and minutes: The board also approved three sets of meeting minutes and moved several temporary committee appointments to fill gaps after the departure of a former board member. Actions included appointing Travis Keyes as the district representative to the Central Florida School Boards Coalition (motion by Sharpless), naming Sharpless as liaison to the Polk County Head Start Policy Council with Sarah Beth Wyatt as alternate (nominated by Fields), and appointing Sarah Beth Wyatt as an alternate for Junior Achievement. Those motions carried by voice votes.

Board members said they want continued monitoring of Varsity Tutors’ metrics and the option to discontinue if performance targets are not met; the contract includes a 45-day opt-out window for subsequent years.

Ending: The board’s approvals keep the program in place for the current year while preserving oversight and year-by-year review.