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Board reviews Easton High auditorium lighting proposal; district seeks ~$294,159 to cover increased costs
Summary
Administrators presented a Barbizon Lighting proposal to replace auditorium lighting and rigging at Easton High. The project’s cost has risen from the FY25 CIP estimate, and staff identified a $294,158.75 shortfall; options include using 2025 surplus, designating FY26 fund balance, or adding to the FY26 budget.
The Talbot County Board of Education on May 19 received a preliminary presentation on a proposed full lighting and rigging replacement for the Easton High School auditorium that would include new stage and architectural lighting, curtains and replacement of wall and aisle fixtures.
The project was originally included in the FY25 Capital Improvement Program at roughly $815,000, presenters said, but vendor updates, tariff impacts and identified code issues for the rigging system have increased the projected cost. The finance presenter reported a difference of $294,158.75 between the amount currently funded in the capital budget and the price now quoted by the vendor. The vendor proposal is being processed through a cooperative purchasing contract (TIPS) and requires final verification through that contracting vehicle.
Staff outlined three primary funding options if the board wishes to move forward: (1) reallocate part of the current year’s surplus to cover the shortfall; (2) designate a portion of FY26 fund balance for the project; or (3) add the cost to the FY26 capital budget and reallocate other planned items. Finance said it had planned to use roughly $811,000 of fund balance in the coming year and would continue to work to identify available savings.
Trustees asked about ownership and ongoing management of the auditorium; staff said the Talbot County auditorium is administered by Talbot County Public Schools and that the district will clean and clear backstage storage to provide contractor access and address safety concerns. One trustee urged that auditorium seating and other deferred-maintenance items be included in upcoming budget discussions. The presentation was preliminary; staff said final contract pricing and TIPS verification remain pending and the item would appear on the consent agenda at the regular meeting for board action if the board chooses to approve it.
