Scranton School District approves bond resolution, capital contracts and multiple purchases; board sets several items for later review

Scranton School District board members on Feb. 3 approved a range of capital projects, vendor contracts and recurring service agreements and passed a resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to refund earlier debt and fund district capital needs.

The board approved the regular bill list of $1,424,153.35 and an exception bill list; authorized the issuance of one or more series of general obligation bonds described in a resolution on the agenda; and approved multiple construction and equipment contracts for fire-alarm system replacement, a Scranton High boiler replacement and other capital work. The board also approved a contract to rent temporary network and hired services under an E-rate-eligible bid and voted to extend several vendor agreements.

The actions were grouped into consent and operating sections and enacted mostly on roll-call votes. Several items drew brief discussion; one procurement item (a temporary chiller rental for Main/Nicholas Plaza) was tabled to allow staff to collect installation quotes.

Votes at a glance

- Bill payments (B8): $1,424,153.35 — approved (8 yes). - Exception bill list (B9): approved (7 yes, 1 abstain). - Resolution authorizing issuance of general obligation bonds (bond refunding and capital projects): approved (8 yes). - Real estate tax assessment settlement (parcel 1451409001200): three-year revenue loss $19,339 — approved (7 yes, 1 no). - Quaver music curriculum 3-year license (K–4): $31,500 from curriculum budget — approved (8 yes). - Special education settlement (IDs 30006652425 and 30026972425): approved (7 yes, 1 no). - STEM Academy handbook (2024–25 revision): approved (8 yes). - Purchase of Kubota UTV with snow-removal implements: $42,505.02 — approved (7 yes, 1 no). - Project #033038 fire alarm system replacements (South Intermediate, West Scranton High) and associated contractors/abatement: contract awards as presented — approved (8 yes). - Scranton High boiler replacement: $922,000 — approved (8 yes). - Temporary chiller rental for Main/Nicholas Plaza: tabled to March to gather installation quotes. - Precast concrete bollards and installation (West Scranton Intermediate): bollards $11,315.50; total project not to exceed $15,000 — approved (8 yes). - Employee settlement (No. 2985): approved (8 yes). - Tax collector salary amendment (increase to $72,000, shared with City of Scranton; effective 2026-01-01): SSD share financial impact $9,350 — approved (6 yes, 2 no). - 2025 Book of Rules (as amended): approved (6 yes, 3 no reported as roll-call mix). - Reaffirmation of Principles of Governance and Leadership (policy 011): approved (7 yes, 1 abstain). - Health-care consultant contract award (BSI Corporate Environmental): $175,000 — approved (affirmative roll call). - Kelly Education Services addendum to include substitute nurses: financial impact approximately $111,000 — approved (roll call affirmative). - Red Rover hiring software annual subscription and implementation (one-time implementation fee $4,500; recurring fee $25,000): approved (6 yes, 1 abstain, 1 no). - E-rate mini-bid for network switches and installation to Integra: total eligible $1,000,507.16; SSD share after E-rate $279,736.37 — approved (8 yes). - Addendum to payroll/tax contract with Berkheimer Incorporated (extension to 2026-12-31): approved (roll call affirmative). - Wright Center for Community Health service agreement (estimate $15,000 through June 2028): approved (7 yes, 1 abstain).

Discussion vs. decisions

Most items were approved with little debate and were handled in consent or routine business. The board paused one facilities procurement (temporary chiller) so staff could obtain complete installation quotes. Board members asked for clarifications on contract language about tax compliance and contract terms for several construction awards; staff and the solicitor said standard clauses would be verified before final contract execution.

Staff and public input

Superintendent Dr. Keating delivered the superintendent's report and answered questions about recent natural-gas odor incidents and building evacuations (see related article). Members of the public spoke during public comment about legal fees on the disbursement ledger and neighborhood safety near a school corner; staff offered to meet and provide further information.

What’s next

The board will revisit several items at its March meeting, including the ratification of a previously granted attendance permission that did not appear on the Feb. 3 agenda and the temporarily tabled chiller award. Contracts authorized by the board will proceed to finalization with the district solicitor and administration subject to standard contract conditions and required filings (for E-rate and state reimbursements).