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District outlines 7-year facilities plan, bus replacements and energy projects; general fund reported strong
Summary
Facilities manager and business staff told the board the district is working from a 7-year master facilities plan that includes bus inventory and upcoming chiller replacements; the district reported a healthy general-fund cash balance and plans for a financial advisory committee and community updates.
District business and facilities staff updated the board on facilities planning, aging equipment and current cash balances.
Facilities manager Joshua Eckley reviewed a 7-year master facilities plan used by the district facilities committee. He said the district has completed an enrollment study and is tracking bus age and condition — buses are inspected twice a year — and that the district will likely need to replace several aging buses in the coming years. Bus replacements were described as part of the long-range facilities plan and funded from permanent-improvement (PI) budgets.
The district also has a chiller replacement out to bid at the high school and expects future chiller work at Bell Creek Intermediate and Stephen Bell Elementary. Eckley and business staff said they are soliciting energy-saving proposals and starting procurement planning now to manage costs.
On finances, the business manager reported the district’s required minimum cash at May 31 would be approximately $7.8 million; the general fund cash balance at that date was reported to be about $24 million. Staff said they continue to use a five-year forecast and will convene a financial-advisory group; the committee met earlier in March and will reconvene after the state budget situation is clearer.
Staff emphasized stewardship and that PI funds are being prioritized for fleet and HVAC work. A spring financial newsletter was singled out as a communication tool; several community members praised the newsletter during the meeting.
The board received the update as information; the meeting included routine approvals tied to facilities and budget items.
