Board approves pool and kitchen contracts, multiple vendor agreements and endorses two levies for the Feb. 10, 2026 ballot

The Tacoma School District Board approved a slate of business matters, accepted a completed school replacement project and voted to endorse two replacement levies that will appear on the Feb. 10, 2026 ballot.

Contracts and requisitions: Board members approved amendment #6 to contract TSD22‑041 for the pools upgrade project, with the amendment amount reported as $19,063,432 (excluding sales tax). The board approved an amendment to the central kitchen contract (TSD25‑171 amendment #2) that added $352,341 and brought the contract total to $5,528,790 (excluding sales tax). The board also approved a contract with Northwest Fire Systems (TSD25‑095) for $192,928 (excluding sales tax), and authorized an increase to purchase order 31711 for Microsoft Azure licensing in the amount of $416,019, funded from the technology levy. Superintendent or staff recommended and the board approved requisition 35478 with the Washington Officials Association in the amount of $325,000 for athletics and activities in 2025–26.

Acceptance of Downing replacement project: The board adopted Resolution No. 2172 accepting project completion and approving acceptance of the contract with the construction firm for the Downing Elementary replacement project; the board took a roll‑call vote and the resolution passed 5–0.

Endorsement of levies: The board adopted Resolution No. 2173 endorsing two replacement levies — Proposition 1 (EPO levy for K–12 education programs and operations) and Proposition 2 (technology improvements and upgrades) — and voted by roll call 5–0 to endorse the proposals, after legal counsel and the chief communications officer reviewed RCW 42.17.130 and public‑comment requirements.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution 2172 (accept Downing replacement): roll‑call vote Aye 5, Opposed 0 — adopted. - Resolution 2173 (endorse Prop 1 & Prop 2 on 02/10/2026 ballot): roll‑call vote Aye 5, Opposed 0 — adopted. - TSD22‑041 amendment #6 (pools upgrade): motion moved and approved by voice vote. - TSD25‑171 amendment #2 (central kitchen): motion moved and approved by voice vote; documentation date discrepancies were noted for correction. - TSD25‑095 (Northwest Fire Systems contract): motion moved and approved by voice vote; staff to clarify the start date. - PO 31711 increase (Azure licensing): approved by voice vote ($416,019; technology levy funds). - Requisition 35478 (Washington Officials Association): approved by voice vote ($325,000; athletics fund).

Why it matters: The contracts represent substantial capital and operations spending that affect school facilities, technology capacity and athletics across the district. The board’s endorsement of replacement levies sets the district on a path to seek voter approval on Feb. 10, 2026, to replace expiring local levies that fund operations and technology improvements.

Provenance: Business matters, contract approvals, resolutions and roll‑call votes as recorded during the meeting.