Board approves CTE grant application, E‑rate bid, change order and a $20,000 facilities grant

At the meeting the board approved several discrete agenda items that will affect instruction and infrastructure.

CTE grant: Administration requested board approval to allocate roughly $31,000 in district resources to apply for a state Career and Technical Education enhancement grant that would reimburse a majority of requested equipment and materials; administrators said the state match would return an estimated $90,000 in state funds. The motion to approve the application and match was seconded and passed by roll call.

E‑rate technology project: The district presented a bid from Yellow Dog totaling $1,869,000 for broadband/technology upgrades that are eligible for the federal E‑rate program; if the application is funded, district responsibility would be approximately $300,000–$350,000 depending on the funding percentage awarded. The board approved the bid, contingent on E‑rate funding.

Central temporary striping: A facilities change order for temporary track/field striping at Central was explained (work to take place after spring track season and conclude before new surface/painting); the board approved the change order.

Facilities grant: Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Central teacher, presented a $20,000 facilities enrichment grant from Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 to support woodworking and industrial arts at Central; the board approved acceptance and discussed keeping woodworking at Central and Benton and moving metalworking to Hilliard Technical Center where appropriate.

All motions were approved by roll call during the meeting (see actions list).