Board approves summer maintenance contracts; two trustees recuse themselves from vote

The Upper Dublin School District board approved summer maintenance work contracts for painting and pressure washing with the Militello Company at its May legislative meeting. The item was discussed separately from other finance items after two finance committee members abstained during committee consideration.

Nut graf: The award drew explicit recusals and abstentions because some trustees reported personal connections to the vendor. Trustees followed established recusal practice and the board proceeded to vote on the contract at the legislative meeting.

Mr. Sirota, who moved the finance item to the legislative agenda, said, "At the finance committee meeting last week, 2 of our 4 members abstained from this item. So unlike the other items, this does not come with a full recommendation of the committee." During the roll call on the contract in the legislative meeting, Jenna Evans said, "I'm gonna abstain from this vote as I did at the finance committee because I do have a personal connection to the Militello family. So just, to be safe, I'm just gonna recuse myself." Dr. Thomas added, "Same as Jenna. Absolutely. I'm gonna recuse myself as well." The board president then called the vote and the contract award passed.

The administration described the work as routine summer maintenance. Mr. Wallach noted that summer maintenance is typically conducted annually and that contractors vary year to year. The finance committee then moved to approve the remaining finance items, which included monthly payments and a proposed final budget. Board members were reminded that the budget process continues: the district will present a proposed final budget in May and return for a final vote at the June legislative meeting.

Ending: The district will proceed with the contracted maintenance work; the administration and board will continue the budget process ahead of a final vote in June.