Sarasota County Schools finalizes agreement to spend $362,000 on professional development after canceling previous contract with the same vendor due to community backlash

Back in September 2020, Sarasota County Schools canceled their cultural sensitivity training contract with Dr. Sharroky Hollie and Solution Tree Inc. due to community backlash. Superintendent Asplen explained that he was pulling the contract so he could better understand what was being taught and to get more community input.

Now, less than two years later, on February 15, 2022, even though community input remains negative, the district has decided to rehire the same consulting company for $362,000 for professional development services. The approval of the agreement is below and the full 7-page agreement is here. It is unclear what the company will be doing.

References:

• APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOLUTION TREE, INC. AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
• Previous Reporting by Parents Defending Education
• Initial Pause of Services