Board approves $185,000 in encumbrances; district buys ADA-accessible bus with federal IDEA funds

The Bethany Public Schools Board approved general fund nonpayroll encumbrances for fiscal year 2026 totaling $185,255.33 and other change orders and payroll encumbrances during a motion and roll-call vote. During the encumbrance discussion, district staff highlighted several larger purchases: a bus from American Bus Sales selected to meet special-services needs, including a wheelchair lift and not requiring a commercial driver’s license; that bus will be paid from IDEA federal funds (project 621). Staff said Heather Williams, who oversees special services, helped identify the vehicle. Other notable purchase orders included $6,700 to Simon High Sports Field Services for baseball field seating; a $9,000 professional development engagement paid from federal Title II project 541 to bring a presenter for a full-day districtwide professional development session and follow-up half-days; and a $24,691.90 building-fund purchase order to replace a damaged scoreboard after a windstorm. District staff said the scoreboard damage could not be repaired and insurance deductibles exceeded the cost to replace the unit. The special-services bus was characterized as difficult to source and intended to make transportation for students with mobility needs more reliable. The board approved the encumbrances by motion and roll call. Palmer, Yates, Pettit and Jaggers recorded affirmative votes on the roll call shown in the meeting minutes. Board staff said many encumbrances are opened early in the fiscal year because known contracts and costs require advance purchase orders; payroll encumbrances will increase when contracts and payroll entries are finalized.