Board approves summer sinking-fund projects, names KISB candidate and enters closed session

The Lowell Area Schools Board of Education on April 14 approved several routine and capital items, including two summer sinking-fund projects, confirmed the district's single candidate for the Kent Intermediate School Boards of Directors ballot and voted to go into closed session to discuss negotiations and receive a written legal opinion.

Board members moved quickly through a consent grouping that included approval of minutes and payment of bills; the board then approved a roofing project for the Wind Box Center and a carpet replacement at Murray Lake Elementary as sinking-fund projects to be done this summer. The board also approved the district's single nominee to run for one of two open seats on the Kent Intermediate School Boards of Directors and later voted, by roll call, to enter closed session for negotiations and a written legal opinion.

Wind Box Center roof: The board voted to award a roofing contract as the first of two summer sinking-fund projects. District staff reported five contractors bid on the job and that total cost came in below estimates. Board discussion clarified that the contract includes a voluntary alternate to replace fascia and that payments will be made as the work progresses (progress payments with retainage held until completion). The motion was moved by Lori and supported by Pat; the board approved the item.

Murray Lake Elementary carpets: The board approved a second sinking-fund project to replace carpet in classroom wings and corridors at Murray Lake Elementary. Eight contractors submitted bids; the recommended award is Johnson Commercial Interiors for a total of $24,673, pending confirmation from staff. The motion was moved by Jennifer and supported by Jessica; the board approved the item.

Kent ISD Board of Directors nominee: The board approved the district's single candidate for a three-year Kent Intermediate School Boards of Directors seat: Andrea Hale. Board members explained the association's process gives each active school board one vote and that the district submitted one candidate for the two open seats. The motion was moved by Laurie and supported by Pat; the board approved the nomination.

Closed session: The board made and seconded a motion to go into closed session to discuss negotiations and a written legal opinion. Motion by Jessica, supported by Lori. A roll-call vote was recorded: Pat—yes; Jennifer—yes; Chair—yes; Laurie—yes; Annie—yes. The board entered closed session at 7:53 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Consent grouping (minutes, regular meeting, work session and closed session minutes; approval of bills): motion passed (voice votes recorded as "aye"; no individual no votes recorded in the transcript). - Wind Box Center roof (sinking-fund project): motion moved by Lori, seconded by Pat; outcome: approved. - Murray Lake Elementary carpet replacement to Johnson Commercial Interiors, $24,673 (pending confirmation): motion moved by Jennifer, seconded by Jessica; outcome: approved. - Kent ISD Board of Directors: approved Andrea Hale as the district's nominee; motion moved by Laurie, supported by Pat; outcome: approved. - Motion to enter closed session for negotiations and written legal opinion: motion moved by Jessica, supported by Lori; roll-call vote recorded as all yes among members present; outcome: approved (entered closed session at 7:53 p.m.).

The board scheduled the formal adoption of policies and other business for future meetings; no ordinances or external contracts beyond the cited sinking-fund work were adopted at this meeting.