Henry County School Board approves weapons detectors, carries forward funds and awards multiple capital contracts

The Henry County School Board voted unanimously Feb. 11 to buy weapons-detection systems for the division’s elementary schools, reappropriate $1,247,817 in unexpended FY2024 funds for facilities projects and to award construction contracts for an HVAC replacement at Philadelphia Middle School and auditorium seating at two high schools.

The board approved the purchase of weapons-detection equipment for each elementary school and an extra set for larger schools and the central office. Division staff said the systems will be used for adult visitors — for example, parents coming for lunch or meetings — and for large events such as field day and awards. The vendor named was CEIA USA under the Virginia state contract; the approximate total cost presented was $194,765 (about $20,000 per system, staff said). Board member Hartley made the motion to approve the purchase; Springer seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board also voted to reappropriate $1,247,817 in unexpended FY2024 funds to the facilities budget, a carryforward allowed under recently adopted state budget language. Superintendent and staff recommended using the reappropriated balance to cover capital projects listed in the division’s capital improvement plan, including a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) replacement described later in the meeting. A motion to approve the appropriation passed unanimously and will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final appropriation.

Separately, the board accepted the low bid from Daniel Builders of Danville to replace the HVAC system serving locker rooms at Philadelphia Middle School. The bid amount presented in the meeting for that work was $909,850. Staff said the existing equipment had exceeded its life expectancy and the replacement will improve comfort and indoor air quality. The board approved awarding the contract to Daniel Builders; the vote was unanimous and the award moves forward subject to the usual contract-execution steps.

The board also approved a contract award to Commonwealth School Equipment (Moseley, Va.) to remove and install new auditorium seating at Bassett High School and Magna Vista High School. The quoted total for removal and installation of seating at both high schools was $660,720; the motion carried unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting, the board accepted an increase in state ADM-based payments for FY2025. The Virginia Department of Education recalculation produced an additional $551,164 in revenue the division will receive; the board voted to appropriate that amount and forward the request to the Board of Supervisors.

Votes at a glance - Purchase weapons-detection systems (CEIA USA via Virginia contract): motion to approve by Miss Hartley; second by Miss Springer; outcome: approved (unanimous). Approximate cost presented: $194,765. Purpose: adult visitors and large events at elementary schools and central office. - Reappropriate FY2024 carryforward funds to facilities: motion to approve by a board member (name not specified on record); second by Mr. Bradley; outcome: approved (unanimous). Amount: $1,247,817. Purpose: capital projects including HVAC replacement. - Award HVAC replacement contract to Daniel Builders (Philadelphia Middle School locker-room HVAC + ceiling/lighting): mover/second not specified in the record excerpt; outcome: approved (unanimous). Low bid: $909,850. - Award auditorium seating contract to Commonwealth School Equipment (removal & installation at Bassett and Magna Vista): mover/second not specified in the record excerpt; outcome: approved (unanimous). Quote: $660,720. - Appropriation of additional ADM-based state revenue: recommended acceptance of $551,164; outcome: approved (unanimous).

Board and staff emphasized the requests address safety and facility needs, and several board members noted the approvals will be forwarded to the county Board of Supervisors where required for final appropriation and contract execution. Staff repeatedly said the weapons-detection systems are intended for adult visitors and not as a replacement for other safety measures; board members asked about law-enforcement presence and how the detectors fit into the division’s broader security plan.

The board also approved the consent agenda and closed the meeting after committee reports and superintendent updates.