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District outlines status of fall 2024 bond proceeds; trustees asked for broader capital project update
Summary
Finance staff reported roughly $9.48 million received for fall 2024 bond proceeds and presented a prioritized list of projects (HVAC, roofing, minibuses, athletic fields). Trustees asked for a consolidated status of prior bond projects and detailed cost updates before transfers between line items.
Sumter School District finance and operations staff updated the board on the status of fall 2024 capital bond proceeds during the Jan. 27 work session.
Chica Spearman of finance said the district has received $9,476,485.25 in fall 2024 bond proceeds and presented a prioritized list of proposed projects, with HVAC replacements, roofing needs and McKinney‑Vento minibuses listed at the top. ‘‘We talk with vendors… we do the best guess,’’ Spearman told the board, describing how cost estimates are developed and noting that project priorities can change at the board’s direction.
Operations staff described project statuses: HVAC and roofing funds have been allocated across the bond list; orders for minibuses and activity buses are in progress; Annex elevator replacement materials have been procured; High Hills gym painting and insulation are completed and flooring contracts are pending resolution of a vendor protest. The Willow Drive drainage project is under engineering review and awaiting a response from the state Department of Transportation, staff said.
Spearman and operations director Samuel Myers also identified an area the prior board had noted as discretionary: a $5 million allocation for installation of turf at Lakewood and Sumter High athletic fields. Myers said surveying and geotechnical work were done but the district paused further work pending a green light and said the board could change priorities.
Trustees pressed for a broader accounting of capital projects and remaining balances across prior bonds before authorizing transfers between line items. One trustee said the district should inspect food‑service serving lines and hear directly from food‑service staff about equipment needs before transferring $200,000 from food‑service equipment into a general ‘‘other facility needs’’ pot; Spearman said orders for some serving lines have been placed but lead times can be several weeks.
The board directed staff to prepare a comprehensive status update on all outstanding bond projects and related financial balances for a future meeting and to discuss facilities and legislative assistance where state approvals (for drainage) are needed.
