Brandon Valley board approves $7.9 million in bills; major purchases include desktops, Chromebooks and construction payments

The Brandon Valley School District Board of Education approved $7,895,471 in bills and claims at its July meeting, including technology purchases, a large Chromebook order and construction progress payments, the district's finance officer reported.

The payments were presented by Mr. Lundberg, who said the bill listing included $177,700 to Byte Speed LLC for about 200 desktop computers and a High Point Networks Chromebook purchase for the high school of about $1.4 million. A construction payment (payment number 10) to Pesca Construction of $1,200,000 was noted as bringing the Berkman Valley Elementary project to roughly 50% completion with about a year remaining on the schedule. The board also approved $2.6 million in debt service payments to U.S. Bank tied to capital allocation certificates and general obligation bonds for multiple school projects.

Why it matters: The approved claims cover major capital and technology expenditures that affect classroom resources, ongoing construction projects and the district's debt obligations.

Mr. Lundberg summarized the district's June cash report: beginning cash around $38.7 million, $5 million of receipts and $7.5 million from the middle school addition capital outlay debt issuance, total funds to account for of roughly $51.2 million, and $7.765 million of disbursements leaving an ending cash balance near $43.4 million. Fund balances he listed included about $11.7 million in the general fund and roughly $6.0 million in the capital fund; other funds included special education and bond redemption totals. He did not read every line of the detailed financial statements but referenced a capital projects statement and project-specific summaries for Berkman Valley and the middle school addition.

The board moved to approve the bills and claims after questions were invited and none were raised. A motion to approve was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

On payroll and benefits, Mr. Lundberg reported June payroll of $2,868,000 and deductions and benefits of about $1.7 million. The district's food service reported a $400,000 loss versus a projected $300,000 loss, increasing the shortfall by roughly $100,000 and bringing that fund's balance to $1,673,000.

The board then approved the monthly financial report by motion and voice vote.

Ending: The approved claims will be paid as presented; staff provided project-level financial statements for upcoming board review and the board scheduled further review of the capital project reports and the food service deficit as part of routine financial oversight.