The Board of Education authorized staff Aug. 14 to execute a one‑year natural gas contract for district facilities, instructing staff to select the lowest responsible vendor on the morning of Aug. 15 and fix pricing for the period Sept. 1, 2025–Aug. 31, 2026. The motion directs staff to pursue a short‑term rate rather than a multi‑year lock given expected changes in district usage as new equipment comes online.

Interim finance staff explained that the district uses a cooperative bidding service and that three bidders responded; daily market movements caused one bidder to withdraw close to the meeting. Finance staff said their consultant recommended a one‑year term because the district’s recent equipment upgrades should reduce usage and therefore improve the opportunity to lock a better long‑term rate next year. “Previously, we did a 5‑year, kind of set rate. This year ... recommended a 1 year ... based upon your usage,” an interim finance presenter said.

The board approved the motion to authorize staff to accept the lowest responsible bid on Aug. 15 and to enter a contract for the stated period; the vote was unanimous. The motion does not bind the board to a vendor beyond the one‑year period and leaves procurement to staff consistent with the board’s direction to select the lowest responsible vendor and return to the board for any required reporting.

The contract is intended to provide price stability for winter heating months. No cost figures were specified at the meeting because daily market prices fluctuate and final vendor selection was contingent on the Aug. 15 bid results.