Board approves emergency roof replacement at Jefferson Elementary and awards irrigation contract for Fort Field

The board approved two facilities contracts: an emergency roof replacement at Jefferson Elementary and a two‑pivot irrigation installation at the Fort Field Agricultural Center.

Director of Facilities Burley McWills said storm damage in December required emergency action to dry in the building and prompted expedited procurement under emergency authority. Administration recommended awarding the Jefferson Elementary roof replacement to Western Montana Roofing for the lowest quote reported in the meeting as "319,000 $4568." McWills said the project will be paid using insurance proceeds less any depreciation determined by the insurer; the depreciation amount was not yet known and McWills said they expected that determination in the following weeks.

For the Fort Field Agricultural Center, administration reported near‑identical bids and recommended awarding the two‑pivot irrigation project to Egg Sales Inc. of Missoula, with funding from anonymous donations and Perkins funds supplementing the award. Trustees asked about procurement thresholds; administration said public bidding is required for projects over $80,000 and that multiple quotes are required for amounts over $25,000. Both projects were approved by the board.

Trustees noted the need for clarity on funding sources for depreciation and for future reporting on the insurance settlement amount.