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Rockford board approves bond-funded busing, paving, abatement and network upgrades
Summary
The Rockford Public Schools board approved a series of 2019 bond-funded capital projects Tuesday, authorizing bus purchases, abatement work, repaving, classroom furniture and district-wide network switch replacements; most were approved by voice vote with funding sourced to 2019 bond proceeds and with expected E-rate reimbursement for tech work.
Rockford Public Schools Board of Education members on Tuesday approved a batch of bond-funded capital projects, awarding contracts for buses, asbestos abatement, paving, classroom furniture and a district-wide network switch upgrade.
Allison Clements, assistant superintendent for business and operations, outlined a plan to replace part of the district bus fleet, recommending purchase of seven 71-passenger buses at a total cost of $968,170 to be paid from 2019 bond proceeds. "We received quotes from three vendors; the low quote is consistent with our bus fleet," she said. The board approved the purchase by voice vote.
District staff recommended awarding a $224,650 abatement contract for asbestos removal tied to Rockford Freshman Center renovations to Quality Environmental Services LLC, also funded from the 2019 bond. Director of operations Sean Hayward said abatement work would mostly occur during summer when students are out of buildings. The board approved the recommendation.
Facilities staff presented a $1,463,073 paving package covering parts of Parkside Elementary, the Freshman Center and Rockford High School, noting the bids came in about $40,000 under budget. "All reputable contractors submitted," the presenter said; the board approved the contract.
The board also approved furniture purchases to complete elementary classroom replacements (Roguewood Elementary, $817,788.22) and an initial package for middle-school core classrooms ($733,371.99), with further elective-room bids expected in March.
On technology, consultant Chris Muser and district staff recommended Sentinel Technologies for network switch devices, reporting an initial tab of $1,298,532.83 reduced to roughly $941,032.83 after an accepted alternate; staff said the district plans to pursue E-rate reimbursement that could reduce program cost by approximately $200,000. "These switches are the communication hubs that distribute information and power to devices such as access points and cameras," Muser said. Installation is planned for the summer; the board approved the upgrade.
Funding for the projects was described as coming from the 2019 bond proceeds, and several presenters said the recommended vendors had worked with the district on past projects. The board approved the consent motions and individual bids by voice vote or roll call where noted. The board indicated the work will proceed over the spring and summer construction windows; specific start dates will depend on schedules and contractor availability.
The meeting adjourned after additional reports and public comment periods.
