Board approves May 2025 financial report after questions about bond carryovers, press box and kitchens

The Richland 1 Board of School Commissioners on June 24 approved the May 2025 financial report after a detailed discussion about bond allocations, projects showing up in multiple years and outstanding project carryovers.

Ms. Sherry Matthews Hazel presented the report and commissioners asked for clarification on why some projects listed under older bond series still showed remaining balances. Commissioner Hersey asked whether projects that appear across bond pages (for example a 2020 bond listing of $17 million) indicate additional funds were required from later bonds; staff explained that some projects are annual or multi‑year (painting, computer replacements) and that projects such as Carver‑Lyon required additional funds to finish work.

Commissioner Wesson asked about multiple entries for the Lower Richland press box and requested the total cost; staff said there were multiple projects and some changes in scope (including exterior brick work) and that staff would research the historical totals and report back.

Commissioner Wesson also asked about two central‑kitchen renovation projects (a $50,000 2018 entry and a $600,000 2022 entry) and why $476,000 remained; staff said a feasibility study was underway and that PTO kitchen work is adjacent in some cases, and that additional funds would not cover major renovations without further approval. District staff committed to follow up with detailed project histories and explanations for carryovers.

Commissioner Hersey asked about the number of bus replacements, noting the word "bus" appears many times in the report; staff explained bus purchases are expensive and sometimes multiple years' funds are pooled until a purchase can be made and that the department would provide specifics on the count and schedule.

On change orders, district construction staff stated that change orders that rise to $250,000 or more will come back to the board for approval; smaller change orders are generally vetted internally and can be executed without a board vote. "If they rise to the level of $250,000 or more, we'll come back to you," staff said.

The motion to approve the May 2025 financial report passed with 5 ayes and 1 no. District staff promised to provide follow-up documents on: Lower Richland press box total costs, central kitchen renovation status including PTO kitchen interactions, and the bus replacement schedule and counts.