Loveland board approves technology purchases, extends bus driver incentive agreement and accepts financial reports

Loveland City School District trustees on March 19 approved a series of routine and capital expenditures and extended an agreement designed to attract and retain bus drivers.

Business manager John Ames presented the district's Chromebook replacement cycle, explaining that fifth graders receive new devices that are used for four years and ninth graders receive a device that lasts through graduation. On that basis the board approved purchasing 747 Chromebooks from Forward Edge for $316,511.37 by roll call.

Ames also presented bids for classroom display "view boards," which replace projectors. The board approved purchasing 70 view boards from ForwardEdge for $216,332.90, funded from the Permanent Improvement (PI) fund.

On staffing and transportation, Garth Collier (human resources) summarized an extension of a transportation incentive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the district's classified union group (OPC). Collier said the agreement helps cover CDL training costs and includes onboard instructor (OBI) training and small referral stipends to boost recruitment; the board approved extending the agreement to the end of the current CVA (collective agreement) period.

The treasurer presented the February financial report and described PI fund usage and a five‑year forecast. The board accepted the financial reports by resolution.

The board also approved two settlement agreements to resolve multi‑year health insurance deduction errors for a small number of employees and accepted donations totaling $1,300 ($1,000 from Charles and Laura Fairer and $300 from Kevin and Cecilia Watts). Several personnel transitions and retirements were acknowledged and new administrative appointments were introduced earlier in the meeting.

Next steps: procurement orders will proceed under the approved vendor contracts, HR will continue implementing the transportation incentive program extension, and the treasurer will return with amended appropriation and financing details as needed.