Aurora East USD 131 building-and-grounds committee to send summer bids, copier contract and easement request to full board

The Aurora East USD 131 Building & Grounds Committee on March 3 reviewed multiple summer facilities bids and related items and directed staff to bring those items to the full school board for approval.

Committee members and district staff discussed replacing the fire panel at Rollins Elementary School, tuckpointing bids for East Aurora High School and Gates, an elevator upgrade at Waldo, 2025 Chromebook purchases for second and ninth grades, a recommendation to contract copier services with Konica Minolta, and an easement request from a developer adjacent to Cowherd school property. Committee members asked for an update at the next meeting on a larger, $45.05 million-plus project that is in planning.

The most time-sensitive item is the Rollins Elementary fire-panel replacement. Facilities staff said the panel is older, has required multiple calls for service, and must be ordered in time for a summer installation window; staff will bring the recommended bid to the full board so the district can place the order in advance of summer work.

On tuckpointing work at East Aurora High School and Gates, staff reported six bids were received; that bid tabulation is in the packet and staff will present a recommended contract to the full board.

Committee members spent substantial time on the Waldo elevator. Staff said full replacement bids returned at about $700,000 and that number exceeded the district budget and expectations. After working with the project architect, the City of Aurora and the Aurora Fire Department, staff recommended pursuing a targeted elevator upgrade rather than a full replacement to reduce cost. Staff said the architect and the fire department have reviewed and agreed with the scope for an upgrade, and the district will present the recommended procurement approach to the board for approval.

On technology, staff proposed buying Chromebooks for second- and ninth-grade students in 2025. The district plans to reclaim fifth-grade iPads that were replaced last year, wipe and redeploy them where appropriate, and therefore needs new devices only for the two grades identified.

For copier services, staff said the district issued a request for proposals and received seven responses. A review team evaluated proposals against a rubric and staff recommended moving forward with Konica Minolta to provide equipment and run the copy center. The recommended agreement includes equipment leasing and per-copy costs; staff noted the total cost will vary with the number of copies the district makes.

The committee also reviewed a developer request to cut access through district property north of Cowherd. The developer initially sought a driveway connection but the district declined that option because of student‑traffic safety concerns. The developer later proposed a locked gate that would be used only for fire‑emergency access. Staff reported the gate would sit inside the property line, be locked at all times except during an emergency, and that the district will have its attorneys draft an easement agreement if the board agrees to proceed.

Other items on the agenda included a resolution to dispose of district property and a work‑order summary. Staff said the resolution covers old equipment no longer usable by the district. Committee members asked staff to provide a standing update on the larger $45.05 million‑plus project at each meeting, even if updates are brief.

No formal committee votes authorizing contracts or easements were recorded in the transcript; staff were instructed to prepare items for consideration by the full school board and to work with the district attorney on required easement language.

Speakers listed in the meeting record included committee members Ron Cifuentes, Jennifer Norell, Steve Magazini and others, plus unnamed facilities staff who presented the packet materials.