(a) The board may enter into an operating, management, or consulting contract to obtain management or consulting services for the district or for any portion of the district. The contract must provide that the board retains responsibility for and control of the district’s operation.
(b) A company providing services to the district under the contract, and the officers, directors, and employees of the company, while performing services under the contract for the benefit of the district:
(1) are solely employees of the district for purposes of any determination regarding the immunity or liability of the company or its officers, directors, and employees; and
(2) have immunity or limited liability under laws applicable to district employees, whether statutory or common law, to the extent a district employee would be entitled under the same circumstances.