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Robeson County schools approve lawn‑care contracts after debate over bids and work standards
Summary
The board approved six lawn‑care contract groups for 2025–26 by an 8–2 vote after discussion about bid responsiveness, site visits and mowing during student activities.
The Robeson County Board of Education voted to award lawn‑care contracts grouped across district properties for the 2025–26 school year, approving staff recommendations by an 8–2 vote.
Bobby Locklear, who presented the procurement results, told the board the district evaluated proposals primarily on responsiveness, demonstrated site visits and vendor responsibility. He said some bidders submitted prices without walking each campus and that large price discrepancies suggested incomplete scopes. "There were issues with ... had the property been walked," Locklear said when explaining why some lower bids were not recommended.
Board member Bradley Phillips pressed staff about a substantially cheaper bidder, noting one vendor’s price was "almost a hundred thousand dollars cheaper" and asked whether the lower bid should at least be considered. Several board members and staff responded that because the RFP emphasized on‑site review, staff recommended vendors that performed the required site walks and provided full, responsible proposals.
Board member Christie Fields raised concerns about safety and scheduling, asking how the district ensures mowing or weed‑eating does not occur while students are outside; Locklear said those items and site‑specific schedules should be worked out with principals and the vendor. The RFP also includes a principal sign‑off process to confirm satisfactory completion of each cut.
A motion to accept the recommended awards was made by Melissa Osha and seconded by Craig Lowry. The board recorded two opposed votes — Board members Bobby Locklear and Bradley Phillips — and approved the awards by an 8–2 margin.
The contracts group schools into six packages and assign vendors already used in parts of the district as well as two new contractors vetted for references and equipment. Staff said they will require pre‑award walkthroughs with principals and sign‑off verification for each scheduled cut to address complaints about timing and field maintenance.
The board’s approval authorizes central office to finalize agreements and begin work under the new contracts for the 2025–26 school year.
