KC board critical of hiring of public relations firm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City schools superintendent's decision to hire a public relations firm to help him prepare for a key meeting with state officials is drawing criticism from board members.

Bernard Taylor Jr. hired the firm Oct. 3 for $60,450 without first getting the board's approval. Board policy requires approval for any non-emergency spending that exceeds $25,000.

But Taylor said the situation is an emergency. His appearance before the state Board of Education Thursday is part of the district's attempt to regain state accreditation and avoid a state takeover.

Also, he had been without a spokesman for about two months, Taylor said.

But board member Elma Warrick didn't accept Taylor's explanation.

"There is no acceptable excuse for violating board policy," she said. "There is no reason he could not have brought the contract to the board in advance."

Board members Al Mauro and Patricia Kurtz agreed with Warrick and questioned whether CCI Public Relations and Marketing Communications of Kansas City was too costly.

Board member Duane Kelly said he didn't have a problem with Taylor's actions because the board had discussed hiring a public relations firm.

In addition to helping Taylor prepare his presentation to state officials, the firm is to work on media relations for the district and prepare Taylor for media interviews. The firm charges $150 per hour.

The state board stripped the district's accreditation in 1999 after the schools failed to meet all 11 state performance standards. The schools have until June to improve, or the state will takeover management of the district.