Davenport board approves labor agreement, capital purchases and facility contracts

The Davenport Community School District board approved several contracts, capital purchases and fund transfers during its regular meeting after a public hearing earlier in the session.

Key outcomes (votes at a glance): - The board approved a tentative collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME secretaries for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. Motion by Director Beck; outcome: motion carried by voice vote. - The board authorized purchase of an F-350 dump plow truck from Wycliffe Ford using Pebble funds for $79,425.80. Motion by Director Poston; outcome: motion carried by voice vote. - The board directed that the Fillmore Elementary roofing improvement bid be awarded to the lowest responsible responsive bidder, Sterling Roofing, in the amount of $724,375. Motion by Director Hayes; outcome: motion carried by voice vote. - The board approved a fund transfer of $75,000 from the management fund to the Pebble fund to cover the deductible related to a classroom fire at Madison Elementary. Motion by Director Paskin; outcome: motion carried by voice vote. Board discussion noted the total estimated damage is “a little over $300,000.” - The board awarded the North High School additions and renovations footings and foundations project to IRI Works LLC for $474,600. Motion by Director Hayes; outcome: motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: the actions fund facilities repairs and capital projects and finalize labor terms for a classified employee group. Capital contracts and vehicle purchases draw on district funds and reserve accounts; the insurance-related transfer covers immediate repair deductibles tied to a classroom fire at Madison Elementary.

Votes and motions: each motion was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tallies in the meeting transcript. The motions and dollar amounts recorded on the meeting record match district agenda items and minutes as read aloud during the meeting.

Discussion highlights and clarifications: when board members asked about the Madison Elementary repair timeline, district staff said three rooms were initially closed after the fire; one first-floor room is now open, another across the hallway should be open by March 31, and the room that had the fire will remain closed until the next school year. A board member asked whether the funds could have come from a different reserve (SAVE); staff responded that the district could use alternate funds but in this case used Pebble funds.

Next steps and implementation: district staff will proceed with vendor contracting and project scheduling for roofing and footings contracts and complete the vehicle purchase. The AFSCME secretaries agreement was ratified by the bargaining unit and the board approved it; the agreement covers a three-year term beginning July 1, 2025.

Ending: The board had no discussion items after the votes and moved on to the superintendent’s report and additional administrative items.