North Pocono board approves capital planning, technology contracts, personnel moves and explores solar funding

The North Pocono School District Board of Education on Feb. 12 approved a series of contracts, budget items and personnel actions that the district said will affect capital planning, transportation routing, technology equipment procurement and extracurricular staffing.

Key outcomes: the board approved a capital-planning services proposal for $60,000 plus reimbursable expenses not to exceed $2,000; a three-year Transfinder transportation routing and scheduling system with a three-year total cost of $26,865 (initial implementation and year-one service included) to be paid from a PCCD school safety and security grant; a contract for E-rate consulting services not to exceed $17,000; authorization for a PEPPM mini-bid Category 2 E-rate equipment contract with a post-discount cost not to exceed $300,000 contingent on USAC funding; acceptance of the 2023–24 audit prepared by Murphy, Doherty & Company CPAs; and a resolution directing the administration to explore and apply for funding to install solar arrays at each of the district’s five school buildings.

Why it matters: Several of the approvals affect multi-year contracts, grant-funded purchases, or capital plans that will shape facilities, transportation and technology operations. The PEPPM and E-rate items are tied to federal funding mechanisms and are contingent on external approvals.

Selected votes and actions (as reported in the meeting):

- A…