Facilities updates; board hears site work and field construction progress and revisits security contract costs

Facilities staff presented updates on the former Shaver site, describing rubble removal, topsoil placement and grass planting while preserving sidewalks and a longstanding path to Kingstowne. “Out of the rubble right now…it'll be grass right up to the gate entry point,” a facilities speaker said.

School operations staff reported ‘‘boots on the ground’’ work beginning on the baseball field; contractors are addressing storm-drain cleanup, conservation-district items and final contractor walkthroughs. Staff said work will create a combined soccer/football field within the baseball/softball footprint with a retractable fence for practices and potential rentals.

Board members and staff also discussed the district’s contract with Kellington (security provider). Staff reported Kellington was the lowest bidder when the district last ran an RFP; however, current invoices include training and overtime costs that district staff said should be reviewed. Suggestions included shifting some duties (bag checks, cell-phone handling) to teachers per the upcoming contract changes, staging night-rover coverage rather than an officer in every building, and considering a no-bag policy to reduce staffing needs for events.

Facilities staff said the district is reviewing rental arrangements for the West building (Swissvale tenant) and the library site to ensure utility and rent costs are covered; staff will initiate discussions with tenants about paying utilities or increasing rent to offset district expenses. Staff also discussed surplus equipment stored at the West building and said staff will consider auctioning or selling unneeded inventory.

No formal procurement or contract vote took place at the meeting; staff advised the board the safety committee will review security-contract options and operational changes for future action.