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Board approves Career Center enhancement grant to replace aging air packs
Summary
The board approved a state-enhanced grant and local match to replace 15-year-old self-contained breathing apparatus (air packs) used in Career Center fire training, with an estimated district cost of about $17,000.
The Excelsior Springs School Board unanimously approved acceptance of an enhancement grant and the local match to replace self-contained breathing apparatus (commonly called air packs) used by the Career Center’s fire program.
Presenters told the board the district’s current air packs are about 15 years old and will no longer be serviceable after 2025, which would prevent the program from certifying and using them for training. Administration presented cost options and concluded the enhancement grant made purchasing new, bundled units the most economical choice.
Mr. Reed, presenting the Career Center request, said new packs were quoted at about $6,760 per unit in bundled pricing. He told the board: "So altogether, the cost would be 67,600, but we would be reimbursed 50,700 for that. So cost to the district you're looking at are, like, a little under $17,000." The presenters also described alternatives: used packs (typically 5–10 years old) would be cheaper upfront but not eligible for the enhancement grant and likely require replacement sooner; renting packs would incur high recurring costs across training periods.
Because the unit price exceeded a $5,000 threshold, the purchase qualified for the state enhancement grant. Presenters said the governor’s proposed budget included additional enhancement-grant funding and that administration would not finalize purchases if the state denied reimbursement.
A board member asked about warranties and servicing. Presenters said vendor warranties and annual servicing plans are available and would allow immediate returns for repairs if issues are found during certification checks.
Darren moved to approve applying for and accepting the enhancement grant and associated district match; Tracy seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
Votes at a glance: Motion to approve Career Center enhancement grant purchase and local match — moved by Darren; seconded by Tracy; outcome: approved, 6-0.
