School board approves PQ-bid vetting renewal, Tropico landscape change and $277,000 bus-charging infrastructure; sets graduation dates

The Southern Kern Unified School District Board approved several procurement and operational items during its regular meeting, including a three‑year renewal of a contractor vetting service, a contract change for Tropico Middle School’s landscape and parking improvements, and a district proposal to install electric bus charging infrastructure paid for with grant funds.

Qualified‑bidder vetting contract renewal: The board approved a three‑year renewal of the district’s contractor prequalification service, used to vet credentials, financials and performance history before awarding large construction contracts. Chief Business Officer Robert confirmed the district has used this service in prior years; the board approved the renewal.

Tropico Middle School landscape and parking change order: The board approved a contract change to Medallion Contracting, Inc., for additional landscape work and a parking‑lot upgrade at Tropico Middle School. The scope discussed included drainage, asphalt/concrete work and removal of irrigation to Oleanders on the north end of the lot; the change was described as necessary to address parking/driveway conditions before staff and students return.

Electric bus charging infrastructure: The board approved a proposal to install charging infrastructure for electric school buses. Board members discussed the price of the infrastructure — $277,000 — and staff confirmed that the cost will be reimbursed by a grant. The district said Edison had completed required electrical work and that the approved proposal covers chargers and associated infrastructure for four electric buses.

Graduation and promotion dates: The board set graduation and promotion dates for the 2026 cycle: one high‑school ceremony on June 3 (morning) and Rosemont High on June 4 (evening), with Tropico Middle School promotion ceremonies occurring on the last day of school as is the school’s custom. Board members said publishing the dates allows families to plan travel.

Other routine approvals: The board approved the quarterly Williams uniform complaint report covering July 1 through Sept. 30, 2025, as required under Education Code 35186, and approved the consent‑agenda personnel items on the district personnel list.

Procurement and budget notes: During discussion of the Tropico contract change board members asked about subcontractor markups and contractor overhead. Staff explained typical practice: subcontractor costs can be passed through with a small markup and contractors commonly include up to 10% for overhead and general conditions in change orders. No new budgets beyond the grant for bus charging were disclosed in the public discussion.

Votes at a glance - Approve agenda: motion by Brent Heffern; outcome: approved (4 ayes, 1 absent). - Renew qualified‑bidder vetting service (three‑year renewal): outcome: approved (4 ayes, 1 absent). - Approve graduation and promotion dates for 2026: outcome: approved (4 ayes, 1 absent). - Approve change order/contract to Medallion Contracting, Inc. for Tropico Middle School landscape and parking work: outcome: approved (vote recorded in favor; board counted in favor). - Approve electric bus charging infrastructure proposal (district share/infrastructure cost $277,000; reimbursed by grant): outcome: approved (4 ayes, 1 absent). - Approve Williams uniform complaint quarterly report (July 1–Sept. 30, 2025) under Education Code 35186: outcome: approved (4 ayes, 1 absent). - Approve personnel consent items (A through M): outcome: approved (4 ayes, 1 absent).

Board members did not identify any legal obstacles to the approved items during the meeting. Several members asked staff to continue monitoring contractor performance and to return with any material changes to scope or funding.