District reports completed classroom renovations, lighting rebates and E-rate allocation for technology upgrades

Assistant Superintendent Todd Armstrong reported to the Warwick County School Corporation board that classroom renovations at John H. Castle Elementary are complete and being used, and that a CenterPoint rebate program is funding lighting replacements at nine schools. Armstrong said the district would pay less than 10% of the total cost for those light replacements under the rebate program.

Armstrong said contact sensors at Booneville Middle School have been completed; the sensors notify staff by email or text when doors are opened or left ajar. He listed planned projects for the coming year, including restroom work at Castle High, Tecumseh High and Yankee Town; roof projects at several high schools and middle schools; unit ventilator and air-handler replacements; and some bleacher replacements.

On transportation, Armstrong said several contracted routes are currently doubled up with one driver running two routes; staff will address route timing and contract expectations in forthcoming committee meetings. On technology, the district received its E-rate allocation (Armstrong said current discounts are "60%, 65%"), which will subsidize capital purchases and annual Internet-service discounts; the district plans to replace switches, access points and controllers and will issue an RFP for those items.

The board asked clarifying questions about whether E-rate discounts apply to both capital projects and recurring services; Armstrong confirmed discounts apply to capital and to eligible annual services at the stated percentage.