Springfield School District board approves construction, HVAC and policy first readings; posts 2025-26 calendar for review

The Springfield School District Board of School Directors approved multiple routine actions during its Feb. 27, 2025 meeting, including bids for building exterior repairs and HVAC controls, the personnel report via the consent agenda, and first readings of the 2025-26 school calendar and a revised electronic-device policy.

The board approved a bid from Culbertson Restoration Ltd. in the amount of $366,760 to complete exterior repairs at E.T. Richardson Middle School, Saybolt Elementary School and Scenic Hills Elementary School. The board identified Culbertson as the lowest responsible bidder after receiving eight bids. The vote carried 8-0.

The board also approved a $13,500 proposal from Radius Systems to tie new crawl-space HVAC mechanical equipment at E.T. Richardson into the building automation system. That motion carried 8-0.

Earlier in the meeting the consent agenda was approved, which grouped standard items requiring board action; the personnel report was presented as part of that process. The personnel agenda listed one certificated retirement, one certificated resignation, two non-certificated resignations, one certificated hire, two long-term substitute hires, four Family and Medical Leave Act requests, and two sabbatical requests (one full-year, one half-year) for professional development. The consent agenda and personnel motions were moved and seconded and approved as presented (vote count not specified in the record).

For policy and calendar items, the board approved the 2025-26 school district calendar for first reading and approved Policy 237 (prohibition/adjustments on electronic devices) for first reading. Board members were told that a first reading means the calendar and policy will be posted for public comment and could be adjusted next month. Both motions carried 8-0.

During discussion of Policy 237, members asked how the policy would address students photographing other students and posting images online. The policy presenter said the revisions aim to limit unauthorized recording and protect privacy at district facilities and events; a board member clarified that posting images taken on school property would not be permitted under the proposed adjustments.

No board member opposed any of the votes that were recorded as carrying, and the meeting proceeded to committee reports and other regular business.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved (motion and second recorded; vote not specified in transcript). Items included typical monthly consent items. - Personnel report: approved (motion and second recorded; vote not specified). Items: 1 certificated retirement; 1 certificated resignation; 2 non-certificated resignations; 1 certificated hire; 2 long-term substitute hires; 4 FMLA leaves; 1 full-year sabbatical for 2025-26; 1 half-year sabbatical for fall 2025. - 2025-26 school district calendar (first reading): approved, motion carries 8-0. The calendar will be posted and open for public comment before a possible final vote. - Policy 237 (electronic devices) (first reading): approved, motion carries 8-0. Revisions emphasize privacy protections and limits on unauthorized recording. - Exterior repairs contract (Culbertson Restoration Ltd.): approved, $366,760, motion carries 8-0. - E.T. Richardson crawl-space HVAC controls (Radius Systems): approved, $13,500, motion carries 8-0.

What the actions mean The calendar and policy votes were first readings, which the board said will be publicly posted for comment before a subsequent vote. Contract approvals for exterior repairs and the HVAC controls are formal procurement actions to proceed with building work; the administration described Culbertson as the lowest responsible bidder after public bidding. Personnel items approved under consent were a mix of separations, hires and leave/sabbatical requests and were listed in the personnel report.

Next steps The board indicated the 2025-26 calendar will be posted on the district website for review. Policy 237 will be available for public comment in advance of final consideration at a future meeting. Construction work will proceed per vendor agreements and district procurement procedures.