Board approves phone‑system lease amendment, MOU with county library, property purchase price and Hagerman construction contract

The Southwest Allen County Schools board approved several facilities and contract actions covering equipment leases, community partnerships, a property acquisition and a construction manager contract.

Lease amendment: Administration presented a First Amendment to the district phone-system equipment lease with Applied Technology Group that extends service from March 1, 2026, through March 1, 2027, with an annual payment of $79,005.64. The amendment had legal review from Barnes & Thornburg. The board moved, seconded and approved the amendment by voice vote; one speaker was recorded saying 'nay.'

Library MOU: Doctor Saint John introduced a memorandum of understanding with the Allen County Public Library to continue planning and exploration of a potential Aboyt Branch Library to be located on district property between the historic schoolhouse and Summit Middle School. He emphasized the MOU does not finalize a location or timeline and preserves district ownership of the historic schoolhouse; the board approved the MOU to allow further planning.

Property acquisition and construction manager: Mrs. Libby presented an updated recommended purchase price for the Neuer (transcribed also as 'Noyer') Road parcel following due diligence and appraisals and recommended a purchase price of $1,920,000. The board approved the purchase price and noted the property is intended to serve future CTE building needs and district growth. The board also approved a Construction Manager as Constructor (CMC) contract with Hagerman, after noting the selection had been made in October and legal counsel had reviewed the contract.

Each item was moved and approved by voice vote; the transcript references the board packet for contract and appraisal details rather than reading financial or contractual specifics into the record.