Harlem UD 122 board approves bus purchase, bond issuance and easement for community solar; signs tech and curriculum renewals

The Harlem Consolidated School District Board of Education voted unanimously on a series of capital and operating measures at its regular meeting, approving vehicle purchases, a bond resolution to fund building projects, an easement for a community solar project and several contracts and renewals.

The board approved a bid award to Central States Bus Sales to purchase five conventional Bluebird buses for $681,600 and five transit-style Bluebird buses for $795,000, a combined purchase price of $1,476,600. Josh Rand, director of business operations, told the board the order also includes two electric buses funded through an EPA program that are expected this summer.

The district also passed a resolution authorizing the issuance of not-to-exceed $5,750,000 in general obligation school bonds (Series 2025) to fund “altering and reconstructing school buildings and purchasing and installing equipment therein for prevention of safety, energy conservation and school security purposes,” the board record shows. Rand said the bonds are the final step to reroof Harlem Middle School and the Hoffman campus; the bonds are expected to sell in the next several weeks.

In related facilities business, the board approved a grant of easement with Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) allowing electric poles and related access on district property off Swanson Road where the district is leasing land for a community solar project. Rand said the Swanson Road lease will produce electricity for the district and provide annual scholarships to students once operational.

The board authorized a $13,570 agreement with Client First Technology Consulting for e-rate design and an RFP to replace aging fiber optics in district buildings, and approved a $2,812.50 renewal for IXL math and English language arts licenses for Harlem Middle School. Rand told the board the district’s core copper-based network is roughly 30 years old and the fiber replacement will upgrade capacity.

Financial and administrative housekeeping items approved included acceptance of the September and October treasurer’s reports; a resolution declaring surplus property at several district sites; facility and student-travel requests; and the personnel agenda and addendum. Josh Rand presented the district’s payables and payroll totals: payables of $1,255,669.97, three payrolls totaling $10,798,210.01 and combined expenditures of $12,053,879.98 split across education, operations and maintenance, transportation and other funds.

Votes at a glance - Award bus bid to Central States Bus Sales (5 conventional and 5 transit Bluebird buses; total $1,476,600) — approved, vote recorded as Thompson: Aye; McKnight: Aye; Carlson: Yes; Smith: Yes; Hastings: Aye; Meeks: Aye. - Resolution to issue not-to-exceed $5,750,000 general obligation school bonds (Series 2025) — approved, same recorded vote. - Grant of easement with ComEd for Swanson Road solar project — approved, same recorded vote. - Agreement with Client First for fiber e-rate design ($13,570) — approved, same recorded vote. - Renewal of IXL (math and ELA) licenses for Harlem Middle School ($2,812.50) — approved, same recorded vote. - Resolution declaring surplus property at Harlem High School, Maple and Marquette Elementary — approved, same recorded vote. - Acceptance of September and October 2024 treasurer’s reports — approved, same recorded vote. - First reading of policy updates from the Jan. 8 policy committee — approved, same recorded vote. - Personnel agenda and addendum (incl. resignations, transfers, hires) — approved, same recorded vote.

Board members and staff who spoke during the agenda items included board president Kirk Thompson; board members Michael McKnight, Rebecca Carlson, Kirk Smith, Megan Hastings and Meeks (first name not specified in the record); Josh Rand, director of business operations; Shelley Wagner, human resources; and Superintendent Roy Yarbrough. Comments during the meeting emphasized the district’s plan to reduce lifecycle costs, update infrastructure, and secure energy and roofing work through the approved bond. Rand noted the district obtained federal support for two electric buses as part of this procurement.

The board voted to adjourn after completing the consent and action agendas. The district announced the next regular board meeting will be 01/27/2025 at 6 p.m., and several committee meetings including policy and Committee of the Whole dates were noted on the record.