Cedar Springs board approves camera, fitness and cafeteria purchases; relinquishes small Title III grant, selects capital improvement fund

The Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education on March 10 approved several capital and security expenditures, voted to relinquish a small federal Title III, Part A allocation for English learners and endorsed creating a capital improvement fund rather than a public improvement fund.

Board members voted to accept vendor recommendations for a second phase of districtwide security camera upgrades, high school weight-room equipment, a new serving line for Beach Elementary and badge-access hardware for the new high school fitness center. The board also approved a staff recommendation to relinquish the district’s $3,615 Title III, Part A allocation for English learners and moved funds into a capital improvement fund that offers the district more future flexibility than a public improvement fund.

The camera project, presented by district technology staff Colin (last name not specified) and Austin (last name not specified), is funded primarily through a fiscal-year 2024 Section 31a security grant. Staff recommended selecting the People Driven Technologies proposal to add interior coverage at elementary schools (Cedar View and Cedar Trails), exterior coverage at the high school, and cameras for the new FFA barn and other district assets. The People Driven bid cited in the meeting was $266,085.30; the board approved the recommendation “including owner contingency,” bringing the approved authorization to spend up to $291,085.30. Board members cited desire for single-system (Avigilon/Visionon-brand) compatibility with last year’s work and staff’s evaluation of image quality and long-term maintenance costs.

The board also approved awarding the high school weight-room equipment contract to the vendor recommended by staff following a request-for-proposals process. Staff said seven vendors submitted 13 proposals; after follow-up and scope adjustments one revised proposal from SoreNex was recommended at $137,308.83. The district described the new equipment as designed for high daily usage (many students per day) and as modular so attachments and layout can adapt over time. The motion to approve the equipment passed with one recorded “no” vote.

For Beach Elementary’s cafeteria remodel, the board approved the low bidder, Elliott Food Equipment LLC of Lansing, Michigan, for $56,896. District staff said the purchase will be funded from the food-service fund and will provide new serving lines and point-of-sale equipment for both reimbursable meal programs and a la carte sales.

Door-access hardware for the new high school fitness addition was awarded to NightWatch, the low bidder. NightWatch’s system uses the same brand of door readers and badge integration the district already uses, staff said; the bid of $19,963.11 plus an owner contingency of about $4,000 brought the authorized total to $23,963.85.

On federal funds, staff recommended formally relinquishing the district’s Title III, Part A English-learner allocation for the current fiscal year ($3,615). District staff reported the district currently identifies 39 English learners (nine of whom are exchange students) and said relinquishing the small allocation does not mean the district will stop serving those students; staff said the funds are intended to supplement existing services and that the compliance burden for the small dollar amount outweighed the administrative costs.

The board discussed two options — a public improvement fund (more restrictive) and a capital improvement fund (more flexible) — and voted to create the capital improvement fund. Staff said the capital fund allows the board to commit money for long-term capital projects while retaining the option to move funds back to the general fund later by resolution; by contrast, funds transferred to a public improvement fund would be permanently restricted for that purpose.

Public comment at the meeting included a three-minute statement by community member Libby Mativa, who described her perspectives as a longtime Cedar Springs teacher and parent and urged respectful public discourse about schools and educators. Mativa said teachers, parents and students share responsibility for student success and asked the community to avoid threats or harassment of school employees.

Votes at a glance: - Beach Elementary serving line: award to Elliott Food Equipment LLC, $56,896; funding: food-service fund; outcome: approved. - High school weight-room equipment: award to recommended vendor (SoreNex revised proposal), $137,308.83; outcome: approved (one no vote recorded). - District security cameras (Phase 2): award to People Driven Technologies, staff bid $266,085.30; board authorized spending up to $291,085.30 including owner contingency; outcome: approved. - High school fitness center door access: award to NightWatch, $19,963.11 (plus contingency bringing total to $23,963.85); outcome: approved. - Title III, Part A (English learners) funds: $3,615 — board approved relinquishment (staff stated district will continue services); outcome: approved. - Fund choice: approved establishment/use of a Capital Improvement Fund rather than a Public Improvement Fund; outcome: approved.

Board and staff emphasized system compatibility (single-brand camera and door systems), durability and vendor service history during discussions. Several items were funded via bond or designated grant dollars; the board asked staff to confirm final placements of contingency dollars and return if the project scope grows beyond approved contingencies.

“Teachers are not the devil,” community member Libby Mativa said during public comment, urging civility toward educators. She said student success depends on students, parents and teachers working together.

The board scheduled follow-up procedural and handbook items for a future meeting and noted the governor’s early budget proposal includes a proposed increase to the per-pupil foundation allowance, which staff said is still subject to change.

Less-critical details and next steps: staff will finalize contracts and task orders with the selected vendors, confirm exact contingency uses, and return to the board if costs exceed authorized totals. Staff also said they will finalize parking-permit costs and report back when available.