Akron school board reconsiders and approves snow-removal contract after debate on local vendors

The Akron Board of Education approved a district snow-removal contract Nov. 3 after first rejecting the same item earlier in the meeting and then reconvening to reconsider it.

Concerns about the bidding process and whether Akron-based firms had adequate opportunity were raised by Member Hall and others during the business affairs discussion. “Snow and ice should be brought to the board in June,” Member Hall said, arguing that last-minute contract timing leaves too little time for local businesses to prepare. Members also expressed frustration that a small group of staff handled vendor vetting and asked for clearer rubrics and wider input on future procurements.

Business-affairs lead Deborah Fogg (Ms. Fogg) said the district issued an RFP on Public Purchase, received 16 responses, and assigned sites to the lowest-cost bidders; she also noted two Akron-area companies were included in the final five vendors. After the item initially failed on a 2–4 vote, the board recessed to consult legal counsel about contingency authority and reconsideration procedures. On reconvening, Member Hall moved to reconsider; the motion passed 6–0. The subsequent roll-call vote approved resolution 23.3, also 6–0.

The board did not change the RFP ranking; Ms. Fogg said state bidding law requires ranking and affords the board an opportunity to negotiate with the top-ranked firm. Several board members asked administration to provide more detailed scoring rubrics and to work with City of Akron resources to broaden outreach to local vendors for future contracts.

The board’s action means the district will have an authorized vendor roster for snow events this winter. Members said they want a stronger process next year — earlier solicitation, clearer criteria, and more engagement with Akron-based businesses.