Palmerton Area School District will pay up to $250 per hour for services from Grand River Solutions, Inc., under a contract the board of directors retroactively approved Tuesday night.

The agreement, which runs through July 31, 2026, lists “investigation analysis” at $250 per hour and “fact-gathering” at $210 per hour.

The agreement does not specify details of any investigation the company may be doing.

According to the firm, investigation analysis involves providing a written report to the district that includes an analysis of the evidence, findings of fact, and a determination of responsibility if requested. Fact-gathering covers impartial collection of information and evidence within a specific scope determined by the district.

Board members passed the motion without discussion during Tuesday’s meeting.

Superintendent Angela Friebolin declined to provide further detail after the vote.

“The District has no comment at this time regarding the Grand River Solutions agreement,” she said.

Documents show the district engaged Grand River Solutions on Aug. 7, 2025, through a letter sent to School Board Director MaryJo King.

Under the agreement, services will be provided upon request by the district, subject to staff availability, and primarily conducted remotely. The firm said in-person services are limited and travel time would be billed at the same hourly rates.

The agreement requires the district to reimburse expenses such as transcripts, mailing, airfare, hotel, mileage, meals, and ground transportation. Invoices will be sent monthly and must be paid within 30 days.

The contract states the firm will not provide legal advice or represent the district in legal matters. “It is expressly agreed that the District will look to its regular legal counsel for such services as well as for advice with respect to legal issues that may arise relating to any complaint, investigation, hearing, appeal, or informal resolution,” the document says.

Termination clauses allow the district to end the contract at any time, with 30 days’ notice required for cancellation of flat-fee services.

According to its website, Grand River Solutions works with educational institutions and organizations on compliance and equity issues. Its services include investigations, hearings, appeal coordination, and informal resolutions. The firm also provides interim and permanent staff roles such as Title IX coordinators, advisers, and hearing officers, and offers program and policy reviews, training, campus climate surveys, mentorship, coaching, and Clery Act compliance support.