The Midland Public Schools Board of Education approved a package of operational and capital purchases June 16, including repairs and replacements for audiovisual equipment in district conference rooms and the boardroom, upgrades for CTE labs and insurance renewals.

Administration recommended a $165,065.44 purchase order to AVI Systems to replace failing AV equipment in conference rooms A-D and the boardroom. Anna (finance staff) told trustees the equipment is roughly 10 years old and has "increasingly frequent failures," and that pricing was secured through an REMC bid. The administration said the project will be funded from bond-series 3 savings realized from a recent telecommunications project. Dave (operations staff) described problems such as loud back-corner equipment, audio failures during meetings, and the trip hazard from floor monitors; trustees said the upgrade will improve both in-room and at-home viewing experiences.

Other approved items

- 3D printers: The board approved $48,730.50 to CDW-G to buy 15 Bamboo Lab X1 Carbon Pro 3D printers for high-school CTE programs; funding will come from a STEM grant and pricing was obtained via REMC bid.

- Portable press box: A purchase order of $36,250 to Aluminum Athletic Equipment Company for a portable press box at HH Dow High School was approved; the cost will be covered by a donation from the HH Dow High Sports Boosters.

- Insurance renewals and workers'comp: The board approved renewal of workers'compensation coverage with the YIDA Insurance Agency for $129,210 and property/casualty coverage with SETSEG for $399,711.

Votes and procurement compliance

Each purchase and renewal was approved by motion during the meeting and the administration said competitive bids or price quotes, or REMC bid vehicles, were used where required under board purchasing policy.

Board discussion focused on usage and justification for the AV purchase given its cost; trustees and staff emphasized the AV equipment's daily use beyond board meetings (training, orientations, large presentations) and cited recurring audio failures and safety improvements (removing trip-hazard monitors) as drivers.

What this means for the district

The AV upgrade and equipment purchases aim to reduce recurring operational failures, improve accessibility for remote participants and support career-technical education. Funding sources vary by item: bond savings for the AV project, a STEM grant for the 3D printers and booster gifts for the press box. The board recorded approvals and directed staff to proceed with procurement and implementation.