Forest Hills finance update: $36,958 textbooks, 1,315 devices retired and $710,000 replacement plan; bond renovations continue

The Forest Hills Board of Education on Tuesday reviewed finance recommendations that included instructional and capital purchases and a bond update that administrators say can proceed without increasing the tax levy.

Sean, presenting the finance report, said the district recommended purchasing Spanish‑immersion decodable textbooks for kindergarten through second grade for an amount “not to exceed $36,958” from the general fund. The finance update also listed retirement of 1,315 devices and 237 monitors and recommended replacement procurement using the 2021 capital projects fund, with an estimated authorization of $710,000.

On food service, the administration recommended renewing the district's food‑service management contract for approximately $211,000 for the coming year; presenters said this is the district's final year of that contract cycle before soliciting bids next year. The administration described Chartwells (packet spelling varies) as a long‑standing partner that provides personnel and purchasing power that can yield rebates and cost offsets.

In his superintendent's report, Superintendent Davis reviewed continuing work from the 2018 bond: mechanical and roof replacements, parking lots, athletic‑field upgrades (district aims to bring Eastern and Northern campuses to parity with Central High's all‑weather turf fields), interior renovations at Central High and Northern Hillsville, aquatic center maintenance and furniture procurement timelines. Administration emphasized due diligence and said the district aims to complete these renovations without raising the district tax levy.

Board members and public commenters asked for more packet detail on the $710,000 device purchase (specs, warranties, disposition of retired devices and any resale or recycling proceeds). The board asked administration to provide that information in follow‑up materials.