DeWitt board approves construction and architectural contracts, forms stadium-dedication committee and selects MASB delegates

The DeWitt Public Schools Board of Education approved routine consent items and voted to award multiple construction and architectural contracts during its Sept. 4 meeting, then discussed formation of a Memorial Stadium dedications committee and the district's delegate representation to the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB).

On a motion presented by the superintendent, the board approved the consent agenda, which the superintendent described as including minutes from the Aug. 25 work session, the treasurer's report and bills for August 2025, the 2024-25 annual audits, and an out-of-state overnight trip request from DeWitt High School to Washington, D.C. The board verbally moved and supported the consent agenda and the chair called the motion carried.

On bond-related action items, the superintendent recommended awarding contract work tied to the 2021 building and site capital project:

- The board approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment to Clark Construction for bid package No. 15 (non-ECC renovations) in the amount of $2,312,584. The superintendent presented the recommendation as "award for the 2021 building and site capital project to Clark Construction for guaranteed maximum pricing for bid package of number 15 GMP amendment" and the board moved, supported and approved the item with no recorded roll-call tally in the transcript.

- The board approved a motion to award construction management services to Clark Construction Company as presented.

- The board approved awarding the architectural services contract to GMB as presented.

Board members asked procedural questions before the votes. One board member asked whether pre-bond service proposals go out to competitive bid and whether districts typically use outside firms; respondents said district practice commonly engages an owner's representative and architectural firms, and that outside project-management help often produces cost savings and is common practice, particularly ahead of a large bond expected in 2026.

During discussion items, the superintendent recommended forming a committee to review applications for Memorial Stadium dedications under board policy 72-50. The proposed committee membership included the high school principal, the athletic director, at least one board member, at least one community member and at least one current or former coach. The superintendent and board members clarified that the listed membership was a recommendation and that other positions could be added to the committee.

The board also discussed MASB delegate selection. The board was asked to designate three representatives to the MASB delegate assembly, which this year takes place Oct. 23 at the Grand Traverse Resort. The board noted that attendance at the MASB assembly can run two to three hours and that some members might combine the assembly with the MASB annual conference; the district's reimbursement policy for MASB registration fees was discussed as likely covering registration or some costs.

In superintendent remarks, the superintendent reported the school year started strongly, noted homecoming activity and announced training activity connected to the Capturing Kids' Hearts program for administrators, teachers and building process-champion teams. The superintendent said training had begun in buildings and praised staff engagement. The superintendent also noted state budget uncertainty and that the district had communicated with families to urge timely passage of the state budget; the superintendent said he had spoken with a state senator who was "in good spirits" about progress. The superintendent said two student representatives, Avery Benson and Cameron Windsor, will join the board at the next meeting.

All four contract and consent items were approved by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tallies in the transcript extract.