[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6604526,"mediaKeyId","2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17","parentId",2987726,"title","Board tables proposed rooftop HVAC replacements after procurement concerns","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",7913000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17&start=7913&end=7913","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17/thumbnail_7913000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6604526/Kansas/Board-tables-proposed-rooftop-HVAC-replacements-after-procurement-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604526-1bb4b837d690fb730145c426da777109/orig.mp4?Expires=1774913430&Signature=IXkPz0CcHWpXO2ED~jH1QREfCBN~NSWzwoKyBrbZ1vVNNvta~8TcPclKZruVw5ZP8nOI87xHVg82CwsbWtP2VG7-aDkwtLM9~fdDiML8gvYoL51ETnC781~K4OaFpSuGDKfRBGRfxnV1KrfSP7IYNDN~jAZV2E6HGcKHPOIwo9WA6A8R4pN4Hdc7gBH3YqQ-6H86pyjojSEITsyfGLM3z1dsFipvMHICy8d~oSCEbtvXE3sIgEaVmZe8L4nk4jTcAiFEY6YNU-Er48J54ZB1uf0u509Lvk6fL-kMSSF~TgXuIqFzwndcl-RryJB3l2b2cgNvlkagb~RbTKCg-4UriQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Valley Center Public Schools USD262","date","2025-04-15T02:35:20.073Z","article","The USD 262 Board of Education voted to table consideration of proposed rooftop HVAC replacements after trustees requested more detailed pricing, procurement alternatives and vendor comparisons.

Why it matters: The district identified rooftop units with long lead times and presented an option to replace multiple units across elementary buildings this summer. Trustees asked for more detail on pricing, vendor selection and whether competitive bids would produce lower costs.

What staff presented

District staff summarized a recommendation labeled “Option 1” covering rooftop unit replacements and required controls at Abilene Elementary, the intermediate school and West Elementary. The package estimate presented in the meeting was $776,941. Staff said lead times on units are approximately 12–16 weeks and noted there is a premium to use a cooperative purchasing route (Greenbush purchasing cooperative), which the district used to procure the scope without a competitive public bid.

Board concerns and requests

Trustees questioned whether the district had sought competitive bids, asked for a clearer breakdown of the proposed costs, and requested alternative procurement approaches. One trustee said the submitted numbers “look really high” and preferred more information before approving. Staff offered to gather the requested details and suggested the board could consider a special meeting to act before pricing windows expire.

Board action

A motion to table the HVAC proposal passed unanimously (motion by Shawn; second; vote 5-0). Staff said they will provide an itemized cost breakdown, alternative procurement options and a timeline for any future approval to allow summer installation if the board chooses to proceed.

Next steps

Staff will return with the requested information and said they could schedule a special meeting if the board wants to approve within supplier price windows; the board asked for a list of bid alternatives and line-item pricing before moving forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","USD 262 Board of Education Meeting, April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board postponed a $776,941 rooftop HVAC replacement package for three elementary buildings and requested additional procurement detail, citing vendor reliance, price premium and lead times.","taxTitle","Valley Center Pub Sch, School Boards, Kansas","taxId",59816,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604531,"Board approves $11.18 million GMP for Valley Center High School addition; bond program remains on schedule",1245,6645000,7890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17&start=6645&end=7890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17/thumbnail_6645000.jpg","/articles/6604531/Kansas/Board-approves-1118-million-GMP-for-Valley-Center-High-School-addition-bond-program-remains-on-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604531-68eccc76e45d06551b024a87b22e2584/orig.mp4?Expires=1774913430&Signature=MGAcMroYScbR4bw3THBXIvvcBCYZIynKBnQz4ixefGjMCPbA1mKpHjOTtrQo4DeSwcvGWmNXtyQ3OImvfURrTtzgaAsZq9aaNOznxyrjrNWN0N4c9AcmxdGCVQxFoHTUPJrxw~3Ci8vKolxpODNCOXHrgWY5HREdXjJYi-BN-S6dYUt77K91yFbVCY~adgulFCExUSKm~Ex5gJcesioZ1uG~l~VCvIpykKSAm1GksydflSZpuhAkZb59mCI85g~MC054opE5b8EKCq9tTnvshWAmawfQDf-i8kk8zXK-Hd32fJVLegp-Vkiw99JSOzrd42KystIGvFT0bWLXua5e-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The USD 262 Board of Education voted to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $11,180,000 for a package of work at Valley Center High School that includes an 18-classroom, two-story addition, a CTE storm shelter addition and kitchen renovations.

Why it matters: The approved GMP advances a significant portion of the district’s bond-funded construction program and authorizes contract execution for the scope described. District representatives said bids returned below both a recent estimate update and the original bond estimate.

What staff reported

Curtis Calvert of Hutton Construction told the board the package attracted roughly 100 subcontractor bids across about 25 trade packages, averaging four to five bids per trade. He said bid results left the project under the district’s previous estimate and under the original bond estimate. The approved GMP covers classroom additions, the CTE storm shelter and kitchen work; staff said one major remaining bid package is the supplemental learning center, which they expect to bid in the next few weeks with a return to the board in mid-May or the next meeting.

Schedule and coordination

Calvert said the construction team is coordinating closely with district staff and plans monthly (and in some cases biweekly) financial reviews to reconcile estimates and commitments. The board was told the elementary addition’s roof and intermediate-school bathroom additions are moving forward, that the elementary building footprint is visible at the site, and that the schedule will be monitored to avoid conflicts among major bid packages.

Board action

The board approved the GMP by voice vote (motion by Sean; second by JR). District staff listed follow-up steps including finalizing contracts under the GMP and continuing to bid the remaining bond-funded components.

Next steps

Staff said they will return with GMP #5 for the supplemental learning center and continue monthly bond financial reviews. The district indicated this GMP is expected to enable continued work on schedule for the bond program.","The board approved Guaranteed Maximum Price #4 for Valley Center High School — an $11,180,000 package covering an 18-classroom addition, a CTE storm shelter and kitchen renovations — and was told the bid results were below prior estimates.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604535,"Next Steps Academy highlights student job placements, community partnerships",222,1784000,2006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17&start=1784&end=2006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17/thumbnail_1784000.jpg","/articles/6604535/Kansas/Next-Steps-Academy-highlights-student-job-placements-community-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604535-cea63c08099a09678fd1787c65cf21ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1774913430&Signature=IeE16M-pCHQfs~lDRbpWDy1ORaV-dDkKMgXi5flztAmh~J1q7T0cgqSQ14fglMq6JqY1ur8ktY9eleVNOuJc2QvVB7O3MR7YUDHF-rFIVTmVtMBsynCC1oCIuvB5yiNUG0muPwAkbmDXJNCy6~lOZbPmWFk7cAPtnMspt7rrzMtBDHJJhs4QAbWWjCDTAEwQcvyZDsHcUkf7o7k6yurcdTqskuP4kZ-9VcZdn3Z1NpNZgGMV1DSyTWAd4wIqKSKczT6QYjqXzfiwL24znob90RJl16hrpGYswfzaYE7VAexJeWWZ7IzC57tfFHzMmbDxLAiEhvZHwunF2Zwc77sLag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Next Steps Academy staff told the USD 262 board about recent student successes, partnerships and programming that support vocational and independent-living skills for students ages 18–21.

Why it matters: The program places students in local jobs and community roles as part of transition services. Board members heard examples of employment outcomes that district staff said demonstrate the program’s community integration and vocational training results.

Details from the presentation

Chris Edwards, the Next Steps Academy instructor, brought two students and outlined partnerships the program maintains with Valley Center recreation, local restaurants and area work sites. He said one long‑time student, Loyola (referred to as Loyola/Loyle in the presentation), was hired by the Valley Center Rec Center and was working regularly; another student, Elijah, was hired as kitchen staff at the intermediate school starting in August.

Edwards described the program as a transition service focused on vocational and daily-living skills for students ages 18–21. He said students work with parents, staff and area businesses — including Valley Center Rec, McDonald’s in Park City, Dillon’s in Newton, Wagontail Ranch and New Hope — to build skills for independent living and paid employment.

Jake (an IREC intern) said his Inclusive Recreation and Leisure, Employment and Connected Living (IREC) program brings students to the rec center for custodial and other job tasks, and that he and other community partners are piloting job-readiness workshops and structured routines for participants who do not qualify for the district’s transition program.

Program activities and outcomes

Edwards said the program has provided catering work, regular cooking projects, a cookie-of-the-month activity and community fundraisers; he cited a holiday tree fundraiser, a potato-soup fundraiser, and a growing end-of-year barbecue that now draws well over 100 attendees. Staff numbers given in the presentation: five staff members (four direct staff who train students, according to Edwards). Edwards described student progress — citing the two students who secured employment at the rec center and intermediate kitchen — as examples of successful outcomes.

What the board heard

Board members offered congratulations and praise for the partnerships and student hires. The district’s presentation served as a public acknowledgment of the program’s efforts to provide vocational training and community integration for transition‑age students.","Next Steps Academy staff presented program highlights to the board, noting student employment placements at the Valley Center Rec Center and the intermediate school kitchen and describing community partnerships that support vocational and daily-living instruction for ages 18–21.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604537,"District official outlines state funding outlook, warns tax cuts could pressure K–12 budgets",932,2690000,3622000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17&start=2690&end=3622","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17/thumbnail_2690000.jpg","/articles/6604537/Kansas/District-official-outlines-state-funding-outlook-warns-tax-cuts-could-pressure-K12-budgets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604537-d1bd9ffef90d62f86eca6f7582be0788/orig.mp4?Expires=1774913430&Signature=G9A3RQhdxzswF~9s6UoK67gHLL9nMmdcY3aQb-N0LQCWEUmS4VeNj5pNx6G0Mb7~7mp77LAIHokhaaK35JySqi9tuB2FwyApMbxOKM4CdBHqHk7h4-E7VWuq14V3dFE7tm1jg~ZOGZnuKxBsMcWd5DV5eFeQ3L-cnhhGOOXADwP9eM3e6OcT6KrtCyfUm8ANKsAFOZARY1AicyX~ZHHcLBdusCgMqOslqEuw2gYcY2pOlx53yg8knLqB0XlgZ~qrWM~mAYqH7bBxiEBG54YShJQNb0jx-O3OjqDJM2-BiiXRPOmrEYq~aGcvpBsvgRWHX2XJSFOarRVE4CQ3WKbp6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A district staff member presented an overview of the Kansas legislative session’s impact on school funding and the state budget outlook, emphasizing that small increases in base state aid per pupil do not necessarily offset cuts to targeted program funding.

Why it matters: The presentation framed how state-level decisions could affect district budgeting for personnel, special education, and program supports. Trustees were urged to view aggregate aid increases alongside reductions in targeted funding lines when planning for 2025–26.

What the presenter said

The presenter summarized state per-pupil base aid figures and recent changes. For USD 262 the base state aid per pupil was $5,378 for the current year and was projected at $5,611 for the coming year under the Consumer Price Index-based adjustment staff described. The presenter noted that line-item shifts reduced available funding for district professional development and mentor stipends and that $1.5 million in an AED grant program was shifted out of the general fund into a competitive grant process, reducing the district’s effective per-pupil base aid by roughly $2 per student.

Staff also reviewed recent special-education funding proposals at the Legislature: an initially larger recommendation for new special-education funds was reduced to $10 million in the final package, and the district had previously received a larger one-time allocation that is not repeated this year. The presenter cited Kansas Legislative Research Department projections showing the state’s ending balance declining sharply over the next few fiscal years unless revenue or spending policy changes.

Board questions and context

Trustees asked whether increases in students qualifying for special-education services regionwide were documented and whether those statistics had been used in legislative advocacy. The presenter said districts have discussed the rise in qualifying students with legislators but that funding decisions remain subject to broader budget trade-offs at the state level. A trustee noted the state holds a large budget stabilization fund and asked whether funding priorities reflected that balance.

What the district will do next

Staff said they will return with updated budget figures in May after additional superintendent-level briefings and that the board will receive a more detailed budget update at the May meeting. The presentation was intended to inform the district’s budgeting conversations for the upcoming school year.

Speakers

The update was delivered by a district staff member who presented state funding figures, with questions from multiple board members during the discussion.","A district presentation summarized Kansas school funding history, recent legislative changes and the state’s budget outlook; staff said modest per-pupil increases mask cuts to specific program funding and warned of future fiscal pressure if tax cuts continue.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604542,"USD 262 board adopts nonresident enrollment cap, approves GMP and other routine items in unanimous votes",6468,1741000,8209000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17&start=1741&end=8209","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987726-f36bb36650c40808032609ed30e4ba17/thumbnail_1741000.jpg","/articles/6604542/Kansas/USD-262-board-adopts-nonresident-enrollment-cap-approves-GMP-and-other-routine-items-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604542-afee0c8a996a5f3c3a2c5f502eef9452/orig.mp4?Expires=1774913430&Signature=DFeLK-zaibZfX3Tb5rNPsXaozog-lmTPC-97PaA3cR-DBdFTbNJKxtY-pvezd4SUtX2Y0Z8qD3piUIFQE3j5QoLh4YzAehUikeBpcP3GdMTElvC4FibdLj30-nQUlt9gKJRG2R4GxMmsO3ui7smx3-OfRlDbpXGdWYp4J-kGzCnHBKuXptTJoIh~eKXgvQLr9Ab4EWydK8WK1hn-mrY-DcSE8EZA7tRU7HLmS1dLLVsgZSSP9afN3Efl8ZZSExV785M58hcbROzKaenkKLzfAEHLArb6U7hSuj~nR0mLTdKsUmZrGxWFlZ72RmRteWpDN~TDH5c33~AVaMqkjGe37Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Valley Center USD 262 Board of Education on Monday approved a set of routine and project-related items, including a nonresident student enrollment capacity of 45 seats and a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $11,180,000 for classroom, CTE storm shelter and kitchen work at Valley Center High School. All recorded votes on the items listed below were unanimous (5-0).

Why it matters: Several of the approvals set operational parameters for the 2025–26 school year (nonresident seats, meal prices, grade-report card updates), while the GMP clears a major construction contract tied to the district’s bond program. The decisions affect staffing and classroom capacity planning, food-service pricing, and the schedule for bond projects that the district intends to complete in coming construction seasons.

Key votes and outcomes

- Agenda adoption (addition of HVAC rooftop replacements, added as new business): Motion to adopt the agenda with the HVAC addition passed (moved by Ryan; second by Mike). No roll-call breakdown beyond the presiding officer’s “all in favor” (passed).

- Consent agenda: Approved (motion by Mike; second by Ryan; vote recorded as 5-0).

- Pre-K grade-report card changes: Approved (motion by Don; second by JR; vote 5-0).

- K–3 physical education report-card changes: Approved (motion by Mike; second by Ryan; vote 5-0).

- Five-year Professional Development Plan (2024–2029): Approved for submission to the Kansas State Department of Education (motion by Dawn; second by Mike; vote 5-0).

- Nonresident student enrollment capacity for 2025–26: Board set total nonresident seats at 45 (details below) and approved the enrollment plan (motion by Sean; second by Mike; vote 5-0).

- Student handbooks (first read): Board voted to table handbook approval pending legal review and edits (motion by Don; second by Ryan; vote 5-0).

- Student meal prices for 2025–26: Approved small increases — breakfast up by $0.05 and lunch up by $0.10 (motion by Don; second by Ryan; vote 5-0).

- Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) #4 for Valley Center High School classroom addition, CTE storm shelter and kitchen renovation: Approved at $11,180,000 (motion by Sean; second by JR; vote 5-0).

- HVAC rooftop replacement proposal: Board voted to table the item pending additional information and possible further procurement steps (motion to table by Shawn; second; vote 5-0).

Other formal business: The board also moved to executive session to discuss individual employee performance under the statutory exception; the session concluded and the board adjourned following a final motion (motions and votes recorded during the meeting).

Clarifying details about the nonresident capacity decision

District staff recommended opening a total of 45 nonresident seats for 2025–26 after reviewing current enrollments, class sizes and projected growth. The recommendation distributed openings across grade levels to reduce imbalance in very small classes while preserving capacity for students who move into the district. Staff proposed zero openings at kindergarten, 17 openings in first grade, 7 in second grade and additional openings distributed at upper elementary and secondary grades, producing the 45-seat total. The board approved the specific capacity number; the district will run a randomized, grade- and building-level lottery if applications exceed available seats.

What the GMP vote authorizes

The board approved the GMP for the Valley Center High School package that includes an 18-classroom, two-story addition on the north side of the high school, a CTE storm shelter addition and kitchen renovations. District and construction-manager representatives told the board the package bid returned below both a recent district estimate and the original bond estimate; the district said remaining bond-related bid packages (notably a supplemental learning center) will be released and returned in coming weeks.

Next steps

- The district will publish the nonresident capacity and continue the application window through June; staff said applications submitted since January will be included in the lottery process.
- Construction and contract teams will proceed to finalize contracts under the approved GMP and continue bidding the remaining pieces of the bond program.","Valley Center USD 262 trustees approved a package of routine and project-related motions — including a 45-seat cap for nonresident students and a $11.18 million guaranteed maximum price for a high-school addition — in unanimous 5-0 votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board tables proposed rooftop HVAC replacements after procurement concerns

Board approves $11.18 million GMP for Valley Center High School addition; bond program remains on schedule

Next Steps Academy highlights student job placements, community partnerships

District official outlines state funding outlook, warns tax cuts could pressure K–12 budgets

USD 262 board adopts nonresident enrollment cap, approves GMP and other routine items in unanimous votes