Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves change-order and construction policies, Central Kitchen GMP, transportation contracts and levy timetable
Summary
At its regular meeting the board adopted two revised construction-related policies, approved a GMP amendment for a new Central Kitchen, approved bus purchases and a contract amendment for fleet maintenance, accepted the highly capable district plan funding, and adopted the 2025–26 board goals by roll call vote.
The Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors voted on a series of policy and procurement items at the meeting. Key outcomes, motions and funding amounts discussed in public session are listed below.
Votes at a glance
- Revised Policy 6957 (Change Orders): Approved on second reading. The policy clarifies that cumulative change orders that push contract values past superintendent authority thresholds will come before the board. Motion and second made on the record; approval by voice vote.
- Revised Policy 6959 (Acceptance of Completed Construction Project): Approved on second reading. The policy updates the district threshold to align with state law (reference in discussion noted a change from $100,000 to $350,000). Motion and second made on the record; approval by voice vote.
- Approval of the 2025–26 Highly Capable District Plan: The board approved acceptance of funds estimated at $958,201 for the period 09/01/2025–08/31/2026 and authorized expenditure within OSPI guidelines. Motion carried by voice vote.
- School bus purchase: The board approved purchase of four Type C diesel buses (two from Shetke Bus Sales, two from Bryson Bus Sales) in the amount of $773,010.65. Funding source: transportation vehicle fund. Motion carried by voice vote. District staff noted the delivery this week of the district’s first electric bus for special-needs routes.
- Amendment #1 to contract with First Student (transportation fleet maintenance): Approved. Amendment increases the contract by $384,487, raising total contract value to $984,487. Funding source: transportation. Motion carried by voice vote.
- Preconstruction services contract and GMP Amendment #1 with BN Builders for the new Central Kitchen project: Approved. The amendment added $4,995,177, bringing the total consideration to $5,176,490.44 (excluding sales tax). Funding source: capital bonds approved by voters on 02/13/2024. Motion and second were recorded; approval by voice vote.
- Adoption of Board annual goals and objectives for the 2025–26 school year: Adopted by roll-call vote. President Schroeder: Aye; Vice President McElroy: Aye; Director Romberg: Aye; Director Keating: Aye; Director Leon: Aye. The goals include (among other items) study of personal electronic devices during school hours and efforts to engage with students and community groups.
Process and next steps
District staff and counsel said several items were already vetted by advisory teams and are consistent with state procurement rules. The CFO also presented a levy timeline: the district will seek renewal of the educational programs and operations levy in February 2026 and will present first readings of levy proposals to the board in October with study sessions and a resolution to approve by Oct. 23 for Pierce County submittal deadlines.
All motions described above were presented in public session with a mover and second recorded on the transcript; most approvals occurred by voice vote, and key resolutions and the board goals were adopted by roll call as recorded.
