Board pre-authorizes Oliver seismic contract and Park Lane classroom upgrades; reclassifies classroom improvement fund

Centennial School District directors on March 12 authorized administration to proceed with two capital projects and approved a budget classification change to align funds with planned capital work.

The board pre‑authorized the administration to award the Oliver Seismic Improvement Project to the lowest qualified bidder in an amount up to $2,500,000. District staff told the board the seismic grant targets areas of large assembly and multi‑story elements, specifically the school cafeteria and center wing, and that the construction window is a roughly 10‑week summer period. Staff said bids were being solicited and asked the board to allow award after public competitive bidding consistent with Oregon procurement rules so contractors could be mobilized quickly.

Board members asked procurement questions about the meaning of “lowest qualified bidder,” local and minority contractor preferences, and the applicable state procurement rules. Staff explained the district follows Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) procurement provisions and qualifies bidders as responsive and licensed for public works. A board member asked whether local or minority contractor preferences could be incorporated; staff said the current district policy does not include such weighting but the board could consider policy changes.

In a separate action, the board pre‑authorized award of the Park Lane Elementary Classroom Improvement Project in an amount up to $600,000. Staff said the project would renovate five classrooms plus a music room and an English‑language development classroom under the Classroom Improvement Fund program. The district noted the fund’s annual allocation is roughly $700,000, with approximately $100,000 for design and soft costs and the remaining amount programmed for construction.

The board also approved Resolution 2024.2025.004 to formally reclassify the Classroom Improvement Fund from a special revenue fund to a capital projects fund beginning in fiscal year 2025–26. Staff explained the change reflects the fund’s shift toward capital‑level work (projects expected to exceed $5,000 with useful life greater than one year). Board members asked whether smaller, non‑capital needs could still be funded; staff said occasional smaller expenses can be included but the fund’s primary purpose will be capital projects, and auditors and the Oregon Department of Revenue would be notified of the reclassification.

All three measures passed by voice vote. Staff noted no immediate supplemental budget action was required for the discovered funds and that awards will follow competitive bidding and licensing requirements.

Ending: District staff will return with contract award details after bids are opened and recommendations are prepared, and the budget officer will reflect the Classroom Improvement Fund reclassification in the proposed 2025–26 budget.