Board approves renewals, substitute-rate increases and garage sale of surplus items

The Norfolk Board of Education approved multiple operational items Monday, including vendor renewals, substitute pay adjustments and permission to sell obsolete equipment.

Mr. Wilson recommended a one-year renewal with Lunchtime Solutions, the district's food-service vendor, noting a 1% increase for costs and materials. The board approved the renewal by voice vote, 6—0.

The board also approved a one-year renewal with Aero Stagelines for student transportation services. Mr. Wilson said the contract includes a 4% increase in transportation costs and estimated the change adds about $70 to round-trip trips to Omaha and Lincoln. Wilson told the board that feedback from coaches and transportation managers was positive and that Aero had demonstrated reliability amid local bus-driver shortages. The motion to renew Aero Stagelines carried 6—0.

On substitute pay, Wilson proposed adding $5 to the daily rate for daily substitutes and $2 for the long-term daily rate; the board approved the substitute rate adjustments 6—0. Wilson said the district filled the majority of 65 summer school teacher positions and reported fewer unfilled substitute days compared with previous periods.

The board also approved a community "garage sale" of obsolete technology and maintenance items to be held at the Maintenance Building, with unsold low-value items to be recycled or disposed. Chuck Hughes described inventory items ranging from desktops, Chromebooks and projectors to floor scrubbers and a 1998 route bus; the proposed sale date was May 29. The motion passed 6—0.

All motions were recorded as carried 6—0 on the consent/action record.