Board reviews 2023 bond plans and approves curriculum materials, radios and furniture purchases

At the April 15 meeting, the Forest Hills Board of Education reviewed architect TowerPinkster's overview of the first phase of the district's 2023 bond projects and approved several district purchases tied to curriculum, safety and facilities.

Dr. Michaud told the board the first phase of bond work will focus on athletic fields and open spaces at Northern and Eastern schools and is scheduled to go to bid in April. The Northern campus work was described as roughly $1 million under projected budget on paper; the board was told recommendations to advance the work could come as soon as June, with construction to begin in summer and finish in roughly a year, weather dependent.

Financial and procurement items presented for approval included: Heinemann writing units of study (cost not to exceed $71,210); AP precalculus books and online licenses ($104,400); college algebra textbooks and licenses ($36,020); social studies materials ($204,200); a two'way radio upgrade to replace 128 radios, add 37 and replace 88 transportation radios (contract not to exceed $359,600 with a noted trade'in credit); and classroom furniture for Avista and Pine Ridge (cost not to exceed $677,872 from prior capital project funds). Dr. Michaud also noted a $23,000 payment to the district from an energy savings partnership related to Orchard View.

The board moved and seconded these business items and recorded affirmative roll'call votes on the consent agenda and related approvals. Dr. Michaud said the radio purchase will be funded from a Section 97 safety and security grant received for projects of that type.

Board members did not record substantive amendments to the purchase motions in the public meeting. The architect'provided bond blueprints were included in the finance packet for board review; the district expects bidding and vendor selection to follow district procurement rules and the published schedule.