ClientFirst presents five-year IT, cyber and disaster-recovery plan; board approves virtual CIO contract

Consultants David Kraut and Tom Jacobson of ClientFirst delivered a comprehensive IT strategic-plan presentation that covered objectives, methodology, assessment findings and prioritized initiatives. Kraut summarized the plan's purpose as a district-wide technology roadmap rather than a narrow IT function plan, saying, "This is a technology plan for the district's operations." The consultants said the district uses over 200 applications, is underspending relative to best-practice benchmarks and needs additional staff capacity and governance to implement the prioritized projects.

After the presentation, the board considered and authorized a professional services agreement with ClientFirst for virtual chief information officer services. Staff explained the proposed contract is roughly $49,900 spread across two fiscal years, with most of the cost anticipated in 2027, and said sufficient funds exist to cover the remainder of FY2026. The board moved to authorize the general manager to execute the contract; the motion passed by voice vote.