Board amends RFP language for custodial, legal and audit services; approves consent agenda as amended

The Englewood Board of Education voted on April 24 to amend three resolutions (listed in board materials as 25F95, 25F96 and 25F97) that authorize the business office to prepare requests for proposals for districtwide custodial services, legal services and accounting/audit services.

By roll call the board approved the amendment to change the operative word "advertise" to "draft" so the business administrator will prepare the RFP documentation and return it to the board for review before the district posts the solicitations. The board then approved the consent agenda as amended.

Why it matters: The three contracts cover services that affect building maintenance, legal representation and financial oversight. Trustees raised concerns about scope — particularly what custodial and maintenance duties will be included — and about staffing levels under the current contractor. Several board members said they want the facilities director and business office to present the RFP draft to committees or the full board before formal advertisement.

What happened in the meeting: Board members questioned whether the RFP for custodial services would include maintenance and landscaping and whether the current Pritchard cooperative contract’s scope and staffing levels would be preserved. The business administrator said the RFP will reflect the services currently provided under the Pritchard contract. The board agreed the business office should circulate draft RFP documents to trustees and allow time for committee review; a board member moved to amend the three resolutions and the motion passed on a roll call vote with all present voting yes.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to amend resolutions 25F95, 25F96 and 25F97 (change "advertise" to "draft") — Outcome: approved (roll call: all present voted yes). - Motion to approve the consent agenda as amended — Outcome: approved (roll call: majority yes; one abstention noted on reimbursement by a board member for their own bill item).

Board discussion also covered timing: the district will circulate RFP templates and draft language to board members the week after the meeting and the administration said it will aim to post any RFPs with the standard public bid/notice periods only after board review. Trustees asked administration to confirm whether the current Pritchard contract allows a short extension if needed while the RFP process completes.

Ending: Administration said it will provide draft RFP documents to trustees for comment and that finance and facilities committee members will have a chance to review scope before the district advertises the solicitations.