Board approves bond-funded construction contracts and E-rate tech reimbursements

At its regular meeting the board voted to approve a set of construction and technology procurements tied to bond and federal E-rate funding.

Administrators summarized bond items including asbestos abatement at University K12 Academy, a boiler replacement at Busy Early Childhood, and furnishings for Levy, Bernie K8 and Thompson K8. The board moved and approved reports 6470–6474 unanimously to award those contracts and proceed with scheduled summer work.

On technology, administration recommended using the federal E-rate program to refresh network electronics (switches and UPS units) across multiple campuses and to perform structured cabling at Bernie K8, Thompson K8 and Southfield High. Staff said Delta and AMCOM submitted the lowest responsive bids and that the district will pay contractor invoices upfront and seek 80% reimbursement from E-rate after project completion. The board approved reports 6475 and 6476, authorizing work to begin after July 1 and the required procurement steps.

Administrators emphasized that the structured cabling work is a critical path item for bond construction; trustees supported approving time-sensitive purchases to avoid schedule delays.