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Pulaski schools review capital fund: Northwood renovation, stadium lights and funding options

Pulaski County Public Schools

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Summary

Finance staff reported the capital fund balance and listed three committed projects (PCHS stadium lighting, a security wall at PCHS, and fiber at Northwood). Staff said the district can complete work in house to save costs and is awaiting contractor bids and AEP pole clearance for the fiber timeline.

Pulaski County Public Schools staff presented the capital fund position and committed projects at the Feb. 4 budget work session, outlining funding options and project timing.

Finance staff reported a capital cash balance of $3,488,747 as of Jan. 30, 2025, and said the county issued a payment of about $1,000,506.59 that brought the total to roughly $4,987,537.06. Staff then identified three projects the division is committed to this year: replacement of PCHS stadium lighting, construction of a security wall for the PCHS courtyard, and fiber installation at Northwood Elementary School.

The division described cost‑estimates and contingency plans. An engineering projection cited a possible $1,600,000 in additional funds needed for Northwood renovation beyond Phase 1; staff estimated Phase 1 at about $450,000 and said doing some demolition and wiring in house has already saved "over $100,000." Staff outlined options to defer the track project to 2027, pursue a short‑term loan, or front the work from the capital fund while pursuing other revenue streams.

On the Northwood fiber connection, staff and contractors plan aerial cable tied to utility poles but said work requires permission from AEP to hang cable on those poles; staff stated that if clearance is granted in time, fiber could be in place by July 1. Board members discussed asking the county to coordinate with AEP to speed approvals.

Next steps: staff will obtain contractor bids for the lighting, wall and Northwood renovation, return firm cost estimates to the board and report on AEP clearance timing; the board indicated it will consider deferral or financing options depending on bid results.