Springfield school board approves consent agenda, personnel actions and multiple contracts; confidential settlement passes 8–1

The Springfield School District Board of School Directors voted on a series of administrative and capital items at its Aug. 20, 2024, meeting, approving the consent agenda and several contracts and change orders, and authorizing transportation routes and drivers for the 2024–25 school year.

By voice vote the board approved the consent agenda without discussion, with the motion carried 9 to 0. The personnel report was approved 9 to 0; the report listed four certified resignations, two noncertified resignations, 10 new certified hires, 10 certified-status changes, 13 long-term substitutes, seven noncertified hires, two unpaid leaves, one full-year and one half-year sabbatical, and six Family and Medical Leave Act leaves.

The board approved change order No. 5 from Ford Brothers Electrical for $20,229 and change orders from McCarthy Construction Inc. totaling $94,105.77 for additional electrical, masonry, steel modifications, and premium-time work on the ET Richardson Middle School HVAC project. District staff stated the additional work covered weekend work and field changes and said the costs remain within the overall project budget; funding will come from capital projects bond proceeds. The motion carried 9 to 0.

Trustees also approved a proposal from Systems Design Engineering Inc. not to exceed $35,760 for design and technical specifications for emergency generator replacement projects at Scenic and Saybolt Elementary Schools. Staff said the project timing depends on equipment delivery and estimated installation could occur in February; funding will come from the capital projects reserve fund. The vote was 9 to 0.

The board approved the district’s 2024–25 transportation routes and the Student Transportation of America drivers as presented — an approval required for the state audit process — by a 9 to 0 vote. District staff reported relatively stable driver staffing and recent training of substitute drivers to support routes and field trips.

The board approved a confidential settlement agreement in civil action 22‑CV‑4042. District representatives said the board, as a party to the civil action, had negotiated the settlement and could not discuss details publicly; the motion carried 8 to 1.

Next steps: project teams will continue HVAC commissioning and balancing at ET Richardson and proceed with the generator design work; the transportation approvals allow routes to be finalized for the start of the school year.