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Ralston district reports stronger receipts, discusses vehicle and technology replacements
Summary
Board reviewed a financial report showing roughly $2 million more in receipts versus prior year and discussed options for vehicle replacements, the depreciation fund balance and possible bus purchases; no purchase votes were taken.
At its regular meeting the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education reviewed the district financial report and discussed vehicle and technology-replacement plans funded from the depreciation fund.
District staff reported year-to-date receipts were roughly $2,000,000 higher than the prior year and noted motor vehicle tax receipts were about $500,000 above the comparable period. The district said recent increases in state aid are appearing in current receipts and bank balances are “healthy.”
The board reviewed the depreciation fund, which staff said currently sits just under $3,000,000. Staff said most of the recent depreciation fund drawdown covered planned technology refresh purchases and that additional vehicle purchases are being considered. Two pickup-truck options were presented that are available on dealer lots: a Ford F-250 extended-cab (preferred by grounds staff for secure tool storage) and an F-250 crew configuration priced slightly lower. Board members discussed the value of an extended cab for security and tool storage.
Board members discussed possible bus replacement later in the year and cited grant and infrastructure considerations for electric buses. Staff said upfront charging infrastructure can make electric buses less cost-effective today; the district has used grant funding for diesel bus replacements in the past. Staff estimated one upcoming vehicle purchase would draw roughly $150,000 from the depreciation fund when plow and bus-sizing costs are included: “there’s $50,000 there plus probably another $3,000 or so for a plow,” and depending on bus size “probably another $90,000 to $100,000,” producing an approximate $150,000 draw for that package.
No final purchase motion was made; staff said they would return with specific bids and timing. The board signaled interest in receiving a fleet-usage summary (routes and purposes) and to review vehicle-replacement timing at the next meeting.
The board discussed activity-fund activity, bond fund payments (next payment scheduled in June of about $1.7 million) and noted federal nutrition funding usually arrives this time of year and will improve the school-lunch fund position once processed.
