Board approves multiple bond-funded contracts, infrastructure projects and new course proposals

The Forest Hills School District Board of Directors on April 8 approved a series of procurement contracts and amendments using bond funds, and approved new course offerings for Neil Armstrong Middle School and Forest Grove High School.

Actions approved included a resolution to use Washington Federal Bank as a district depository; purchase agreements with Trane for HVAC work at Harvey Clark School; replacement of irrigation systems at Forest Grove High School; an amendment for the Tom McCall playground structure; a Fernhill bus-loop asphalt project; and new course proposals for the middle school and high school. Board members voted on each item by voice and carried all motions presented in the business portion of the agenda.

Key procurement and project approvals - Banking resolution: The board authorized Washington Federal Bank as an approved banking institution for the district after staff said Washington Federal’s online platforms and service better matched district needs and could reduce fees. The district retains existing BMO accounts and did not need immediate action regarding BMO.

- Harvey Clark HVAC controls: The board approved a purchase agreement with Trane (cooperative agreement via Omnia) for HVAC controls at Harvey Clark School using bond funds for $149,700.

- Harvey Clark mini-splits: The board approved a separate Trane purchase agreement for mini-split units at Harvey Clark for $223,200 using bond funds.

- Forest Grove High School irrigation replacement: The board approved a contract for irrigation replacement on the football practice field and JV soccer and baseball fields, citing problems with valves and buried lines crossing play areas. Staff said the new layout will move valves to the field edge; the approved contract amount was $376,544 and will use bond funds.

- Tom McCall play-structure amendment: The board approved a procurement amendment to add tile surfacing to a previously approved playground contract; the revised contractor amount is $174,618.97 and remains within budget.

- Fernhill bus-loop asphalt: The board approved asphalt work for the Fernhill bus loop for $68,960 using bond funds.

- New course proposals: The board approved proposed new courses for Neil Armstrong Middle School and for Forest Grove High School; the director of teaching and learning presented the proposals and staff signaled readiness to implement the courses.

Most procurement approvals were presented as single-motion votes with little debate. Staff repeatedly indicated bond funds would cover the listed projects; no aggregate change to the district bond program was presented at the meeting. First-read policy updates, including a Community Alternative Learning Center name-change presentation, were postponed and scheduled to return for action at a later meeting.

The board adjourned after completing the regular business agenda.