The Board of Education of Cecil County on Nov. 12 approved a series of contracts and budget amendments affecting facilities, student supports and district finances.

Superintendent David Lawson recommended the board award the rebid for the Cecil Manor Elementary School HVAC replacement to BMC Services LLC for $4,479,000, saying the funds were approved in the FY26 capital budget and “we're being asked to approve a contract with existing funds so that that work can begin.” The motion to award the contract was moved, seconded and carried unanimously.

The board also approved a $99,500 contract with 4 Point Educational Partners to support districtwide implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for K–8 schools. Lawson said those services are funded through a Read and Lead grant from the Maryland State Department of Education and described the work as a way to "support each school where they are and make sure that we have the systems in place to meet students' needs, in a tiered approach." Board members asked whether the work could be completed in-house and were told the grant funding and outside perspective will help standardize practices across schools.

Separately, the board voted to continue its contract with Business Health Services for the employee assistance program for three years beginning July 1, 2026; finance staff clarified the roughly $46,000 annual cost will be rolled into the FY27 operating budget as a recurring fixed charge.

On the budget side, finance staff presented an operating amendment totaling $4,559,261, which includes $1.4 million in early Read and Lead grant funds (years 1 and 2), use of fund balance to hire 20 teachers and 12 paraprofessionals, and set-asides for playground repairs and other previously approved projects. The board then approved a FY26 capital amendment increasing the capital budget by $542,842 to reallocate state, county and estate funds so ongoing projects (including the ASC roof and the Cecil Manor HVAC project) can be completed. Superintendent Lawson and finance staff explained that some projects came in under estimate, others required more funds, and reallocation preserves existing state funding for projects already committed.

Votes at a glance
• Employee Assistance Program (Business Health Services), three-year continuation starting 7/1/2026 — approved unanimously.
• Cecil Manor Elementary HVAC replacement (BMC Services LLC), $4,479,000 — approved unanimously.
• MTSS support (4 Point Educational Partners), $99,500 — approved unanimously.
• FY26 operating budget amendment, $4,559,261 — approved unanimously.
• FY26 capital budget amendment, $542,842 (total capital budget $37,867,747) — approved unanimously.

Board members and staff said the approvals allow contracted work and funded programs to move forward. Mr. Hampton asked several times about the timing and source of funds for recurring items; staff repeatedly referenced the FY26 capital budget and the Read and Lead grant as the source for grant-funded initiatives. The board gave final approval to each item during the Nov. 12 open session.