Board approves purchasing agenda to advance to full board; trustees discuss grant-funded security, Panorama data and bond project costs

The Grand Rapids Public Schools board work session approved a motion to forward the purchasing agenda to the full board after staff answered trustees' questions about several procurement and finance items, including a grant-funded security contract, curriculum and leased space at John Ball Zoo, Panorama survey data use and updated bond project amounts.

During discussion of support materials and services, staff confirmed the lockout/security procurement is fully funded by the Section 31a consolidated grant for school mental health and school security. "It's completely the grant, the Section 31a," a staff member said when asked whether the item would draw on the general fund.

Trustees asked about other vendor relationships included in the purchasing agenda. Staff said PT Arts has provided dance instruction at Coit since 2009 and that GRPS leases classroom and ancillary space from John Ball Zoo for programming; the zoo will begin charging a modest…