Board approves technology purchases, energy cooperative and transportation agreement

At its March 26 meeting the Strongsville City Board of Education approved several procurement and service agreements intended to support operations and student services.

The board voted to join the Ohio Schools Council cooperative for energy procurement so the council may negotiate rates and fees on the district's behalf; Steve explained the cooperative pools buying power of roughly 171 districts to obtain more stable pricing. The motion was approved by roll call.

Administration presented a technology purchasing package. Dave described a recommended purchase of 1,000 Chromebooks with Google management licenses and extended warranties for a total of $408,300. He also outlined a Meta Solutions master‑service agreement for IT services for the 2026–27 school year at an annual cost of $125,556.75 (with a 2% early‑payment discount of $2,511.13 reducing the cost to $123,045.62), and a Southeast Security quote for district network upgrades and firewall improvements capped at $131,602.55 using E‑Rate reimbursement funds.

The board approved those technology recommendations as presented. "Be it resolved upon the recommendation of the superintendent that the board of education approves the purchase of 1,000 Chromebooks... for a total amount of $408,300," the administration read as part of the agenda items.

On transportation, the board reviewed and approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with EverDriven Technologies LLC to provide specialized transportation for special‑education and handicapped students (in‑district and out‑of‑district placements, including students for whom district buses are impractical). Administrative staff said the contract covers routes in the 2025–26 school year and will be used for students who cannot be transported on regular routes.

Other routine consent items, including grant acceptances and HR recommendations, were adopted in the consent calendar.