Davie County Schools board approves budget resolution and summer contracts; all motions pass 7-0

Davie County Schools Board of Education on May 20, 2025 approved the district—s budget resolution and a set of summer facilities and technology contracts, with every motion passing unanimously, 7-0.

The board approved a draft budget resolution and the superintendent—s message that accompany the district—s capital outlay list. Finance director Clay Harris told the board the capital list matches what was discussed at the work session, with a few projects removed (track work and one maintenance equipment purchase). Harris asked the board to approve the resolution so staff could deliver it to the county commissioners by the May 15 deadline; the board approved the recommendation 7-0.

Board members also approved three vendor contracts to move summer projects forward. Jeremy Whitaker recommended hiring C.W. Electric to expand an LED lighting upgrade to two elementary schools (Cullumie Elementary and William R. Davie). The board—s prior capital allocation included $200,000 for one school; Whitaker said labor for both schools will cost $202,404 and will be covered in the 2025-26 capital outlay budget. The board approved that recommendation 7-0.

Separately, the board accepted a low bid from Webb Heating and Air Conditioning to replace condemned HVAC units at three elementary schools (North Davie, South Davie and William R. Davie). Whitaker said the lowest responsive bid, including labor and materials, was $105,420; the board approved the award 7-0.

The board also approved two technology contracts that the superintendent said will be funded through the federal E-rate program and the North Carolina School Connectivity Program, which together are expected to cover most or all of the project cost. The category 1 contract (upgrading core switches and wide-area network capacity) was listed at $94,204.32, and the category 2 contract (in-building modules, Wi-Fi and battery-backup upgrades) at $92,955.39; doctor Blattner noted the purchases are contingent on federal E-rate approval. The board approved both contracts 7-0.

Routine business approved during the meeting included the consent agenda (with an addendum for human-resources names) and a motion to accept several sets of minutes; those items were approved in the same unanimous vote sequence recorded by the board.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve consent agenda (includes minutes): approved, 7-0. - Budget resolution and superintendent—s message: approved, 7-0. (Delivered to county commissioners as required.) - Contract award: C.W. Electric for LED lighting upgrades (Cullumie Elementary, William R. Davie): approved, 7-0; labor quoted at $202,404 (materials split between fiscal years as explained by staff). - Contract award: Webb Heating and Air Conditioning for HVAC replacement (North Davie, South Davie, William R. Davie): approved, 7-0; total $105,420 (labor and materials). - Technology contracts (E-rate / NC School Connectivity Program): ANC Group category 1 ($94,204.32) and category 2 ($92,955.39): approved, 7-0; both contingent on federal E-rate approval.

What the board said and next steps - Clay Harris recommended approving the budget resolution so the district could meet the county—s filing deadline; the board voted to forward the resolution to county commissioners. - Jeremy Whitaker presented the LED and HVAC bids and recommended award to the low bidders; staff said work is scheduled for summer 2025. - Doctor Blattner asked for approval of the network/E-rate contracts before federal sign-off to allow summer work to proceed quickly; board approval was contingent on final federal authorization.

The unanimous votes allow the district to proceed with planned summer capital projects and vendor work pending any external approvals required for E-rate funding. The board adjourned at the end of the agenda.