School District Approves Lease Purchase for Five New Vehicles Amidst Aging Fleet Issues

The Vernon Township School District Board of Education convened on August 22, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items focused on financial planning, infrastructure improvements, and program expansions.

The meeting commenced with a proposal for a lease purchase agreement aimed at replacing aging vehicles within the district's fleet. The board discussed acquiring five new vehicles, including two Ford F-250 trucks, one Ford F-150, and two cargo vans, all equipped with necessary accessories. The total cost for this lease purchase is projected at $60,000 annually over five years, after which the district will own the vehicles. Current vehicles, which are becoming increasingly unreliable, will be sold through government deals.

Next, the board addressed the approval of additional expenditures related to tax levy incentive aid, allowing the district to proceed with various projects. However, delays in funding approval have pushed some projects, such as the installation of new PA systems and upgrades to science labs, to the following summer. Some work may still be completed during off-hours or breaks.

Federal funding allocations were also a significant topic, with the district receiving $334,001.86 for Title I, $62,009.62 for Title II, and $23,001.00 for Title IV under the ESEA program. The board confirmed that they had received the anticipated 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding, enabling the continuation of related programs.

In the buildings and grounds section, several maintenance issues were reported. A broken sludge arm at the high school required a purchase order for repairs costing $21,000. Additionally, five sections of the Lansbury boiler were replaced at a cost of $40,000. The board is currently obtaining quotes for upgrading the auditorium lighting and has completed flooring replacements in the high school faculty lounge and new preschool classrooms at Walnut Ridge.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the expansion of the preschool program, which will add five classrooms—three at Walnut Ridge and two at partner sites. The board confirmed that funding for these expansions comes from state aid, and they are responsible for ensuring compliance with budgetary requirements at partner sites.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's proactive approach to addressing aging infrastructure and enhancing educational programs, while also navigating the complexities of funding and project timelines.