Caledonia board approves state-funded hydration stations under 'Filter First' program

The Caledonia Community Schools Board on Dec. 15 approved the purchase of water fountains with bottle fillers for $90,526.09, authorizing district staff to buy the equipment now and seek reimbursement under the state’s Filter First grant program.

District facilities lead Matt told the board the district applied for and received a $380,000 Filter First grant that covers 100% of materials and supplies for the program, and that the purchase presented that night is reimbursable on an approved grant. Matt said the board was being asked to act promptly to take advantage of a short-term vendor sale that would save the district an estimated $12,000 compared with current pricing.

The board asked how many fixtures the grant would cover and how remaining funds would be used. Matt said the district is purchasing both Elkay hydration stations and a number of inline filters for sinks used in food‑preparation classrooms and staff rooms, noting an estimated inventory need of about 125 inline filters across the district. Matt also said the vendor has indicated a roughly 5% price increase and that, based on the district’s history, filters will likely need replacement roughly on a yearly cycle.

Trustees sought assurances about testing and recurring costs. Matt said state testing requirements tied to the grant had been relaxed, reducing recurring testing expenses; he also said the district can pre-purchase filter replacement supplies toward the end of the grant period so general‑fund dollars need not cover near‑term replacements. The board approved the purchase by roll call.

The purchase will be processed through the district’s procurement procedures and submitted for reimbursement under the Filter First grant. Staff said remaining grant funds would be used for installation, inline filtering in kitchens and other qualified equipment as permitted by the grant timeline.